The American bison is well on its way to becoming the country's national mammal.

The National Bison Legacy Act, which makes the designation official, was passed Tuesday by the U.S. House of Representatives. The Senate passed an earlier version of the bill in December, and it is expected to agree with the slightly different House version later this week before the bill heads to President Barack Obama's desk for final approval.

Rep. Kristi Noem, South Dakota's lone representative in the U.S. House and a Republican, was one of the bill's co-sponsors. Noem has championed the legislation since 2012, which she says also recognizes the importance of bison to Native American communities.

"The Tatanka is important both physically and spiritually in Native American culture. This bill recognizes that," Noem said in a statement. "Bison are a cultural example of how to live in a healthy and productive manner. There are also lessons to be learned about resilience from these animals, which were nearly being wiped from existence at one point. Through the efforts of tribes, ranchers, conservationists and others, the species has survived and can once again be lifted as a literal and cultural example of productivity from which each of us can learn."

Rep. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, also co-sponsored the House bill.

"The bonus for me is that we have this rather fantastic mammal that represents a really cool university and serves as a great, majestic mascot," he said.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., one of the senators who introduced the bill, explained in December the bill won't add any restrictions for bison ranchers, who might breed the animals. U.S. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds, both Republicans representing South Dakota, also co-sponsored the Senate bill.

"Carson Wentz isn't the only bison getting national attention this week," Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, North Dakota Democrat and co-sponsor of the Senate bill, said in a statement Tuesday. "As a symbol of our heritage and a proud part of many Native cultures, the 500,000 bison that roam the continent exemplify the spirit and traditions that make the United States great."