National Fossil Act

Bill Number

H.R. 9191

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2026-07-01T21:55:02Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose This legislation designates official national symbols for fossil animals in the United States by amending federal law to recognize the American mastodon as the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur.

Key Provisions

• The bill creates a new section 307 in chapter 3 of title 36, United States Code, stating:
• The fossil of the genus Mammut americanum (commonly known as the American mastodon) is the national fossil mammal.
• The Tyrannosaurus rex is the national fossil dinosaur.
• It updates the table of sections for chapter 3 by changing the chapter heading from “AND BIRD” to “BIRD, AND FOSSIL” and adding the new section 307.

Significant Changes to Existing Law The measure adds two new national symbols to the existing list of official U.S. emblems in title 36 (which already includes items such as the national bird). It makes only conforming, technical adjustments to the chapter’s table of contents and does not alter any substantive legal requirements or enforcement mechanisms.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies: Minimal operational effects; federal agencies would not be required to take new regulatory or enforcement actions.
• Citizens: Primarily symbolic and educational, potentially increasing public awareness of paleontology through schools, museums, and commemorative events.
• International relations: No direct implications.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Museums and scientific institutions focused on paleontology.
• Educational organizations and state or local governments that may reference the new symbols in curricula or public displays.
• Members of Congress and advocacy groups interested in national symbols and science education.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill raises no significant constitutional issues, as it falls within Congress’s authority to designate national symbols. It is a non-binding, ceremonial measure with no enforcement provisions or penalties.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large], Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
• 2026-06-08: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• National Fossil Act — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (2 pages)