Houchin Bill to Name American Mastodon and T. Rex National Symbols Passes House
September 16, 2026
WASHINGTON—Today, H.R. 9191, the National Fossil Act, led by Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) passed the House of Representatives. The bill designates 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 mastodon has been Indiana's state fossil since 2022, and today the House voted to give it a place among our national symbols," said Rep. Houchin. "As our country marks its 250th year, this is a fitting way to honor a piece of America's story and to get the next generation curious about science, geology, and paleontology. I'm grateful to Rep. Dingell for her partnership and to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for sending this bill forward."
“America’s story didn’t begin in 1776. It began thousands and even millions of years earlier, with creatures like the mastodon and T. rex roaming the land we now call home,” said Rep. Dingell. “The mastodon is the state fossil of Michigan, and recognizing them as a national symbol alongside the T. rex 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. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Houchin to advance this legislation, and we will keep working together until it is law.”
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 is supported by 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.
"Recognizing these two amazing animals as representative of America’s historic past would be the perfect present for a Nation celebrating its 250th birthday,” said Dr. Totten.
Click HERE for bill text.
Click HERE to view Congresswoman Houchin’s remarks.