President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed into law a bill that formally designates the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States, correcting what lawmakers called a long-overlooked omission.

Known for its striking white head, yellow beak, and brown body, the bald eagle has symbolized American independence, strength, and freedom since it “was adopted as the Coat of Arms for the United States Great Seal” on June 20, 1782,” the bill said.

The legislation, passed by Congress and sent to Biden, declares that the bald eagle is “the national bird” and highlights its longstanding significance in American culture. It also recognizes the bird as “a historical symbol of the United States representing independence, strength, and freedom” and emphasizes its uniqueness to North America.

According to the law, the bald eagle remains “the leading insignia for all branches of the United States military.”

Congress noted the bird’s prevalence in government imagery, describing it as “the leading image on thousands of Federal Government branches, departments, and agencies, including the President, Vice-President, Congress, and Senate.”

The legislation also acknowledges the bald eagle’s spiritual and cultural importance to Indigenous peoples and Tribal communities, describing it as “integral to the spiritual lives and sacred belief systems of most Indigenous peoples” and “prevalent in belief, practice, stories, ceremonies, dance, traditions, songs, regalia, flags, insignias, arts, craft, and other forms of spiritual reverence.”

Congress celebrated the bird’s recovery from near extinction, crediting the “joint efforts of the Federal Government and State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and individuals” that “have contributed to the successful recovery of the bald eagle.”

The population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states was estimated at 316,700 in 2020, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and has quadrupled since 2009.

The legislation ensures that the designation will not affect existing government policies.

“Nothing in ... the adoption of the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States may be ... used as a reason to alter ... or otherwise affect” any policy or action of the federal government, the bill states.

The law’s passage formalizes the bald eagle’s status as a cherished national symbol, underscoring its role in both history and modern American life.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.