Heinrich, Hoeven: Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Designating November 4 as National Bison Day  
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) announced that the U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan resolution they introduced to designate November 4, 2023, as National Bison Day.

"Bison have been a critical part of our culture for generations, in New Mexico, across the West, and especially in Indian Country," said Heinrich. "They represent resiliency and are an enduring symbol of American strength. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Senator Hoeven to recognize our national mammal and bring greater attention to the ongoing effort to conserve this unique species." 

“National Bison Day commemorates our national mammal and the significant role that bison have played throughout our nation’s history,” said Hoeven. “Our resolution honors the significant role the bison plays not only across the West, but throughout North America. As a symbol of strength and resilience, the bison reflects the pioneering spirit shown by Americans throughout our history.” 

Cosponsors of the bipartisan resolution include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), John Boozman (R- Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I). 

The full text of the resolution is available here.

In 2016, Senators Heinrich and Hoeven introduced the bipartisan National Bison Legacy Act, which was signed into law. This legislation recognized the bison’s significance in American history and designated it as the United States’ national mammal. 

Senators Heinrich and Hoeven are the Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.