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U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) introduced the National Fossil Act, bipartisan legislation that would designate the American mastodon (Mammut americanum) as the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur of the United States. The American mastodon roamed the region during the Ice Age, making Michigan home to the nation's densest concentration of mastodon fossils. In 2002, it became the official state fossil. 

“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 Congresswoman 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.”

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 Congresswoman 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."

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.

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 Dingell-Houchin bill continues that effort while also recognizing the Tyrannosaurus rex as the nation's official fossil dinosaur. The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL), Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23), Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02), and Tracey Mann (R-KS-01). 

Read the bill text HERE.