Analyst Brief September 14, 2026

H.R. 9191 — National Fossil Act

Current Status

Reported with an amendment

Executive Summary

H.R. 9191, the 'National Fossil Act of 2026,' is a bipartisan, symbolic measure that designates the American mastodon (Mammut americanum) as the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur. By amending Title 36 of the U.S. Code, the bill elevates these prehistoric species to the same statutory level as the national anthem, motto, floral emblem, and bird. This legislation serves as a low-stakes, feel-good vehicle to promote STEM education, paleontology, and American natural history.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Mrs. Houchin

Bill Number

H.R. 9191

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

Mrs. DingellMr. Johnson of South DakotaMs. MaloyMr. LangworthyMr. Mann
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Promotes STEM Education: Provides a highly accessible, engaging topic to spur youth interest in science, paleontology, and natural history.
  • Bipartisan 'Easy Win': Offers members a non-controversial, feel-good legislative victory that demonstrates cross-party cooperation without fiscal impact.
  • Cultural Heritage: Celebrates two of the most famous and historically significant fossils discovered in North America, boosting the profile of domestic natural history museums.

Likely Supporters

Natural History MuseumsSTEM Education AdvocatesPaleontological Societies

Arguments Against

  • Optics of Frivolity: May be attacked by fiscal hawks or political opponents as a 'waste of congressional time' while more pressing economic or national security issues remain unresolved.
  • Scientific Pedantry: Could invite minor, distracting debates from the scientific community or regional interests arguing for other iconic American fossils (e.g., Triceratops or Stegosaurus).

Likely Opponents

Taxpayer Watchdog Groups (messaging on legislative priorities)

📋 Key Provisions

  • Designates the genus Mammut americanum, commonly known as the American mastodon, as the official national fossil mammal.
  • Designates the Tyrannosaurus rex as the official national fossil dinosaur.
  • Amends the heading of Chapter 3, Title 36 of the United States Code to explicitly include 'FOSSIL' alongside existing national symbols like the national anthem, motto, and bird.
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Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 4

Establishes the short title as the 'National Fossil Act of 2026'.

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"cited as the ‘‘National Fossil Act"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 17

Designates the American mastodon as the national fossil mammal.

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"known as the American mastodon"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 19

Designates the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur.

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"Tyrannosaurus rex is the national fossil"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 11

Updates the U.S. Code chapter heading to include fossils.

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"inserting ‘‘BIRD, AND FOSSIL’’"