Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to safeguard the nation’s white oak tree population, which is key to several commercial industries and vital to wildlife. Sens. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Mark Warner, D-Va., introduced the White Oak Resilience Act of 2025, which will “mobilize” more federal resources and research in protecting the tree’s population. The senators say the trees are essential to the ecosystem and a “trademark” for several American industries. In addition, the White Oak is regarded as “the most important hardwood tree” in the eastern half of the country. The trees are also vital to multiple wildlife species. However, bourbon is likely binding the neighboring commonwealths while forging a bipartisan endeavor to protect the historic tree. The wood from the white oak has long been used to age Kentucky’s most famous spirit, where bourbon, bluegrass and horses reign supreme.