"WASHINGTON — The bison could soon become the national mammal of the United States.

Legislation approved by Congress would elevate the bison to a stature approaching that of the bald eagle, long the national emblem. There has not been an official mammal of the United States.

The Senate gave final approval to the bill Thursday, two days after the House approved it. It now goes to the president's desk.

Lawmakers called the bison — North America's largest land animal — the embodiment of American strength and resilience and said it reflects the nation's pioneer spirit."

Matthew Daly and Matthew Brown reports for the Associated Press April 29, 2016. [2]