Bill would name mastodon and T. rex as US national fossils
Passed one chamberH.R. 9191Latest action
Sponsor: Erin Houchin · Representative · IN
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: National Fossil Act
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 9191 would symbolically designate the American mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex as national fossils, with no practical legal effect.
35-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 9191, the "National Fossil Act," would add a new section to title 36 of the naming the American mastodon as the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur. It also updates the chapter heading and table of contents to reflect this addition.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects no businesses, agencies, or individuals. Paleontology enthusiasts, museums, educators, and science communicators may take interest in the symbolic designation.
Why does it matter?
The bill is purely ceremonial and does not alter laws on fossil excavation, land use, funding, or research. It creates no new regulations, spending, or enforcement actions.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJun 8, 2026
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Sep 17, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.