The bald eagle has long flown as the national bird of the United States. The oak stands strong and proud as out national tree. Do we now need a national fish to add to our list of national symbols? Legislation in Congress would officially designate the striped bass as the National Fish of the United States.

Freshman Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-New Jersey) would make a name for himself if the bill he passes becomes law. His Striped Bass American Heritage Act (H.R. 2040) first became available on the congressional website on Friday, May 8, 2015.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. So far, no other legislator has bit the bait and cosponsored the bill.

MacArthur notes in his bill that the striped bass, scientifically known as Morone saxatilis, lives in both fresh water and salt water and has played an important role in the life of Americans since the Pilgrims ate it back in 1620. Our first fishing law, enacted back in 1639, was designed to protect the species.

And, of course, the fish played a role in the history of MacArthur's home state: it got transported by railroad all the way from New Jersey to San Francisco back in 1879. More recently, the legislation notes, Congress passed the Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act in 1984 because of overfishing in previous decades.

Fortunately, that and other conservation measures have rebuilt the stock since then. Now it plays an important role in recreational and commercial fishing activities – and provides many a nourishing meal, MacArthur points out.