Congress designates mastodon and T. rex as national fossils
H.R. 9191 — National Fossil Act · Filed by Erin Houchin (R-IN) · 9 cosponsors · Introduced Jun 8, 2026 · Reported out
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What it does
This bill designates the American mastodon as the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur of the United States. It amends chapter 3 of title 36 (U.S. Code provisions governing national symbols) to add these two designations alongside existing national symbols like the eagle and flag.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole function is to designate two prehistoric species as national symbols, adding them to the existing statutory framework for national emblems. It is purely symbolic and carries no regulatory, financial, or rights-affecting mechanism.
Who it affects
This is a harmless commemorative designation with no material effect on citizens' rights, costs, or protections. It adds symbolic national identity markers without restricting anyone or imposing public expense.