House · HR 9191 · 119th Congress
National Fossil Act of 2026
Summary
This bill names the American mastodon as the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur of the United States. It adds these two official symbols to federal law. The bill affects federal law only and has no direct impact on everyday citizens.
In Favor
Giving these fossils official national status celebrates American natural history found across the country. Both species have been discovered at sites in many U.S. states. Official recognition can inspire students to learn more about science and the prehistoric world.
Against
Congress has limited time each session, and symbolic votes take the place of real policy work. Naming official fossils does not solve any public problem, and it sets a trend of federal government picking cultural mascots. Lawmakers could use that floor time to address pressing issues instead.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This bill gives official national titles to two prehistoric creatures. It names the American mastodon the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex the national fossil dinosaur of the United States.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill stays focused on its core purpose of adding national fossil symbols. It only changes title 36 of the U.S. Code to add the new section and update the chapter heading.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
The bill creates symbolic national titles and does not place duties or costs on any specific group. No sector, region, or population is directly helped or burdened by the designations.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill does not authorize any spending, charge any fees, or require agencies to write new rules. The sources include no dollar figures and describe no funding or cost mechanism.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The bill requires only a small change to existing federal law, so its implementation steps are limited. No practical hurdles are described in the sources beyond standard legislative process.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 10/20/2026