Congress Passes Bill to Make Bison First 'National Mammal'

— -- Republicans and Democrats in Congress agree on one thing -- the American bison will become the country's first national mammal.

The House and Senate acted quickly this week to send The National Bison Legacy Act to the president's desk. The bill would designate the bison, the largest land mammal in America, a national icon beside the bald eagle.

The House approved the measure Wednesday and the Senate moved Thursday to concur on the proposal.

Millions of bison grazed across North America before westward expansion decimated the population. Advocates believe formally recognizing the bison will help protect its place in American cultural and natural history.