WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) introduced the National Fossil Act, bipartisan legislation to amend Title 36 of the United States Code to designate the American mastodon (Mammut americanum) as the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur of the United States.
If enacted, the American mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex would join the bald eagle, bison, rose, and oak tree as official national symbols of the United States.
“The American mastodon has been recognized as Indiana’s state fossil since 2022,” said Rep. Houchin. “As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this bill is a fitting way to recognize an important part of America’s story while encouraging future generations to explore science, geology, and paleontology. The mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex have captured the imagination of Americans for generations and deserve a place among our nation’s official symbols.”
“America’s story didn’t begin in 1776. It began millions of years earlier, with creatures like the mastodon and T. rex roaming the land we now call home,” said Rep. Dingell. “Recognizing them as national symbols is a reminder that discovery is part of who we are as a country. From backyard discoveries to museum exhibits that have inspired generations of kids, this bipartisan effort is a way to celebrate America’s prehistoric past and spark curiosity about science and exploration. And in a moment when we don’t agree on much, I think most Americans can still agree that dinosaurs are pretty cool.”
The American mastodon is the official state fossil of both Indiana and Michigan and has been discovered at sites throughout both states. The Tyrannosaurus rex remains one of the most recognizable dinosaurs in the world and an enduring symbol of American paleontological discovery.
The legislation has received support from Dr. Stanley Totten, curator of the Hanover College Museum of Natural History and professor emeritus of geology at Hanover College, where he taught for 40 years.
“The American mastodon is an important part of Indiana’s natural heritage and has fascinated students and researchers for generations,” said Dr. Totten. “Recognizing the mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex as national fossils would celebrate America’s rich fossil record while encouraging curiosity and scientific discovery.”
In the 118th Congress, legislation led by Senators Mike Braun and Gary Peters to designate the mastodon as America’s national fossil passed the Senate unanimously. The Houchin-Dingell bill continues that effort while also recognizing the Tyrannosaurus rex as the nation’s official fossil dinosaur.
The legislation is joined by original cosponsors Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Celeste Maloy (R-UT), and Tracey Mann (R-KS).
Read the bill text here.
