The bald eagle, a powerful symbol of the U.S., has officially become the country’s national bird. The move came Tuesday with President Joe Biden signing a bill into law to amend the United States Code. The raptor had already served to represent American strength for nearly 250 years; Congress designated it the national emblem in 1782.

The bald eagle is emblematic of America. It's on coins and bills, graces the Great Seal and inspired conservation efforts that brought the species back from the brink of extinction. Though it was first used as the national symbol more than 240 years ago, Congress had never made it official.

One prominent member of American society received a promotion with bipartisan support this holiday season: The bald eagle is now the official bird of the United States, a proclamation nearly 250 years in the making.