Erin Houchin (R-IN)
National Fossil Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 9 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the National Fossil Act of 2026. It amends chapter 3 of title 36, United States Code. The purpose of the bill is to officially designate certain prehistoric creatures. Specifically, it names the American mastodon as the national fossil mammal. It also names the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur of the United States.
Yes
- Scored +2
Would children be better off under this?
Designating national fossils brings educational and cultural interest that can appeal positively to children.
- Scored +2
Would students be better off under this?
The educational recognition of national fossils provides a fun and engaging point of interest for students.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Section 2 designates the American mastodon as the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur, which could be seen as a positive cultural update for the country.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — Designating national fossils brings educational and cultural interest that can appeal positively to children. Would students be better off under this? — The educational recognition of national fossils provides a fun and engaging point of interest for students.
- 9/17/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 9/16/2026
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5938)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9191.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5938-5939)
- Ms. Lee (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 9/8/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-803.
- Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 89.
- 7/15/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 22 - 1.
- 7/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/30/2026
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 6/8/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Debbie DingellDemocrat · Michigan
Glenn GrothmanRepublican · Wisconsin
Dusty JohnsonRepublican · South Dakota
Nicholas LangworthyRepublican · New York
Tracey MannRepublican · Kansas
Celeste MaloyRepublican · Utah
Robert OnderRepublican · Missouri
Mary Gay ScanlonDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Beth Van DuyneRepublican · Texas