Louisiana Drivers' Licenses to Feature 'Flying Eagle' Citizenship Symbol

House bill requiring eagle image on IDs advances to Senate despite some Democratic opposition

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:10pm

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A close-up view of a driver's license resting on a wooden table, with the license partially obscured by shadows and warm, directional lighting, conveying a sense of nostalgia and contemplation around the political issues surrounding citizenship and identification.A driver's license ID symbolizing the debate over citizenship and identity in Louisiana.Baton Rouge Today

A Louisiana House bill that would add an image of a flying eagle to driver's licenses as a symbol of verified U.S. citizenship has advanced to the Senate. The bill, authored by Republican Rep. Dodie Horton, would apply only to license renewals and not to current IDs unless constituents sought it out. While some Democratic representatives described the bill as useless and potentially harassing, Republicans argued it was an honor to display one's citizenship, even in the case of citizenship obtained later.

Why it matters

The bill has sparked debate over the balance between celebrating citizenship and concerns about potential discrimination or harassment of certain groups. Supporters see it as a patriotic symbol, while critics worry it could lead to increased scrutiny or difficulties for those without the eagle-stamped IDs.

The details

The House bill, which passed 71-29, would require the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to add an image of a flying eagle to driver's licenses and special identification cards as a mark of U.S. citizenship. Rep. Horton, the bill's author, said she wanted to give people a way to 'brag about being a United States citizen.' However, some Democratic representatives argued the bill was 'useless' and could lead to harassment, with Rep. Edmond Jordan warning it could increase the risk of people being 'locked up for questionable status.' Republicans like Rep. Jeffrey Wiley countered that displaying one's citizenship was an 'honor,' with Rep. Raymond Cruz recalling his mother's pride in obtaining U.S. citizenship.

  • The House bill advanced to the Senate on a 71-29 vote on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Rep. Dodie Horton

The Republican author of House Bill 613, which would add an eagle image to Louisiana driver's licenses as a symbol of U.S. citizenship.

Rep. Patricia Moore

A Democratic representative who commented that the bill would soften difficulties in obtaining proof of citizenship papers.

Rep. Edmond Jordan

A Democratic representative who described the bill as useless and potentially harassing, warning it could increase the risk of people being 'locked up for questionable status.'

Rep. Mandie Landry

A Democratic representative who said the bill's intent was 'to take rights from people or limit people,' drawing comparisons to Nazi Germany, South African apartheid, and the Soviet Union.

Rep. Jeffrey Wiley

A Republican representative who said he was in full support of the bill and that displaying one's citizenship was an 'honor.'

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What they’re saying

“'Any time I can brag about being a United States citizen, I love it,'”

— Rep. Dodie Horton, Bill author

“'I think this is just a way for harassment, and we don't recognize that. We are better than this as Louisianans, and we shouldn't have this.'”

— Rep. Edmond Jordan, Democratic representative

“'We want this; we need this. I would be proud to cast a vote for this bill.'”

— Rep. Jeffrey Wiley, Republican representative

“'She would have loved to have that eagle on her driver's license,'”

— Rep. Raymond Cruz, Republican representative

What’s next

The bill will now move to the Louisiana Senate for further consideration.

The takeaway

This bill highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between celebrating citizenship and concerns about potential discrimination. While supporters see it as a patriotic symbol, critics worry it could lead to increased scrutiny or difficulties for certain groups, raising questions about the role of government-issued IDs in defining and verifying citizenship.