French Hill in the 119th Congress. Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1993) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 25th anniversary
Official Congressional Record section title: 25TH Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act
Full text
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1993) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and to support programs at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 1993
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the “25th Anniversary of 9/11
Commemorative Coin Act”.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) On September 11, 2001, the United States suffered the
deadliest terrorist attacks on United States soil (referred
to in this section as “the attacks”).
(2) 2,977 people were killed during the attacks, marking
the single worst foreign attack on United States soil since
Pearl Harbor in 1941.
(3) In New York City, 2 planes hit the Twin Towers during
the attacks, causing both 110-story towers to collapse in
less than 2 hours, as well as destroying 5 other buildings in
the World Trade Center complex, leaving a death toll of 2,753
people, including all passengers and crew members of American
Airlines Flight 11 and all passengers and crew members of
United Airlines Flight 175.
(4) During the attacks, American Airlines Flight 77 struck
the side of the Pentagon, killing 184 passengers, crew
members, and personnel.
(5) In Pennsylvania, during the attacks, United Airlines
Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, killing all 40 passengers
and crew members.
(6) The attacks took the lives of 441 first responders in
New York, specifically 343 firefighters from the New York
City Fire Department, 37 officers from the Port Authority
Police Department, 23 officers from the New York City Police
Department, and 38 individuals from other agencies.
(7) The collapse of the towers following the attacks
created massive dust clouds that left hundreds of densely
populated city blocks covered with harmful contaminants,
exposing first responders, local workers, residents, and
students.
(8) More than 2 decades after these horrific terrorist
attacks took place, the ongoing physical and mental health
impacts continue to deeply affect tens of thousands of
individuals across the country who were in lower Manhattan
and the surrounding area following the attacks, as well as
those from around the country who participated in the rescue,
recovery, and relief efforts, due to their exposure to the
dust, smoke, and debris. Thousands of others have died due to
illnesses and injuries relating to the attacks.
(9) The National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the
World Trade Center is continuously dedicated to remembering,
reflecting, and educating for many generations to come so
that the story of September 11, 2001, is never forgotten.
(10) The National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the
World Trade Center is committed to supporting family members,
survivors, rescue and recovery workers, and military
personnel who were affected by the attacks by providing
services, education, and programming.
SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) Denominations.—The Secretary of the Treasury (referred
to in this Act as the “Secretary”) shall mint and issue the
following coins in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of
the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United
States and the establishment of the National September 11
Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center:
(1) $5 gold coins.—Not more than 50,000 $5 coins, each of
which shall—
(A) weigh 8.359 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and
(C) contain not less than 90 percent gold.
(2) $1 silver coins.—Not more than 400,000 $1 coins, each
of which shall—
(A) weigh 26.73 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and
(C) contain not less than 90 percent silver.
(b) Legal Tender.—The coins minted under this Act shall be
legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United
States Code.
(c) Numismatic Items.—For purposes of sections 5134 and
5136 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under
this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.
SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) Design Requirements.—
(1) In general.—The designs of the coins minted under this
Act shall be emblematic of the courage, sacrifice, and
strength of those individuals who perished in the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001, the bravery of those who
risked their lives to save others that day, and the
endurance, resilience, and hope of those who survived. At
least 1 such coin shall bear the inscription “Never
Forget”.
(2) Designs and inscriptions.—On each coin minted under
this Act, there shall be—
(A) a designation of the value of the coin;
(B) inscriptions of the words “Liberty”, “In God We
Trust”, “United States of America”, and “E Pluribus
Unum”; and
(C) an inscription or other design element referencing the
25th Anniversary.
(b) Selection.—The designs for the coins minted under this
Act shall be—
(1) selected by the Secretary, after consultation with—
(A) the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the
World Trade Center; and
(B) the Commission of Fine Arts; and
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.—The coins minted under this Act may
be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities.
(b) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress that
the coins minted under this Act should be struck at the
United States Mint at West Point, New York, to the greatest
extent possible.
(c) Period for Issuance.—The Secretary may issue coins
minted under this Act only during the 1-year period beginning
on January 1, 2028.
SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS.
(a) Sale Price.—The coins issued under this Act shall be
sold by the Secretary at the price equal to the sum of—
(1) the face value of the coins;
(2) the surcharge provided in section 7(a) with respect to
the coins; and
(3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including
labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses,
marketing, and shipping).
(b) Bulk Sales.—The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the
coins issued under this Act at a reasonable discount.
(c) Prepaid Orders.—
(1) In general.—The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders
for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of
the coins.
(2) Discount.—Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders
under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount.
SEC. 7. SURCHARGES.
(a) In General.—All sales of coins issued under this Act
shall include a surcharge of—
(1) $35 per coin for the $5 gold coin; and
(2) $10 per coin for the $1 silver coin.
(b) Distribution.—Subject to section 5134(f)(1) of title
31, United States Code, all surcharges received by the
Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall
be promptly paid by the Secretary to the National September
11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center to support
the operations and maintenance of the National September 11
Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center.
(c) Audits.—The National September 11 Memorial and Museum
at the World Trade Center shall be subject to the audit
requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States
Code, with regard to the amounts received under subsection
(b).
(d) Limitation.—
(1) In general.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), no
surcharge may be included with respect to the issuance under
this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the
time of that issuance, the issuance of that coin would result
in the number of commemorative coin programs issued during
that year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin program
issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31,
United States Code.
(2) Guidance.—The Secretary may issue guidance to carry
out this subsection.
SEC. 8. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES.
The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary
to ensure that—
(1) minting and issuing coins under this Act result in no
net cost to the Federal Government; and
(2) no funds, including applicable surcharges, are
disbursed to any recipient designated in section 7(b) until
the total cost of designing and issuing all of the coins
authorized by this Act, including labor, materials, dies, use
of machinery, overhead expenses,
marketing, and shipping, is recovered by the United States
Treasury, consistent with sections 5112(m) and 5134(f) of
title 31, United States Code.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.
General Leave
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arkansas?
There was no objection.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the Congressional Budget Office estimate on this bill.
Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules
The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives
announces bills that will be considered under suspension of
the rules in that chamber. Under suspension, floor debate is
limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, points of order
against the bill are waived, and final passage requires a
two-thirds majority vote.
At the request of the Majority Leader and the House
Committee on the Budget, CBO estimates the effects of those
bills on direct spending and revenues. CBO has limited time
to review the legislation before consideration. Although it
is possible in most cases to determine whether the
legislation would affect direct spending or revenues, time
may be insufficient to estimate the magnitude of those
effects. If CBO has prepared estimates for similar or
identical legislation, a more detailed assessment of
budgetary effects, including effects on spending subject to
appropriation, may be included.
EFFECTS ON DIRECT SPENDING AND REVENUES OF LEGISLATION CONSIDERED UNDER SUSPENSION OF THE RULES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Additional
Effect on Direct Information on Direct Link to Published
Bill Number Title Spending Effect on Revenues Spending and Revenue Estimates
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— H.R. 1993.......................... 25th Anniversary of 9/ Would not increase None................. Surcharges (reduction N/A
11 Commemorative Coin direct spending. in direct spending
Act, as amended. of $4 million) over
2028-2029 and those
surcharges are paid
out in 2031
(increase in direct
spending), net to
zero over the 2026-
2036 period. ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1993, the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act.
Goldman, along with every other Member who supported this effort, for introducing this important legislation honoring a pivotal moment in our Nation's history and remembering the lives so tragically lost on that horrific day.
Mr. Speaker, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, transformed our country. Nearly 3,000 innocent Americans lost their lives in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
extraordinary courage, resilience, and unity. This bill recognizes the importance of preserving the memory of that horrible day and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
H.R. 1993 authorizes the creation of a commemorative coin program marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, giving Americans a meaningful way to participate in remembrance and reflection.
Mr. Speaker, the proceeds from this program will support the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center in New York City, honoring the memory of the victims and the heroic first responders who ran up those stairwells to try to save their fellow Americans.
officers and emergency personnel, and servicemembers, whose bravery and selflessness embodied the very best of our Nation in one of our most dark hours.
coins that recognize moments of profound national significance, and this legislation, Mr. Speaker, continues that tradition.
fitting that this House considers legislation that reflects our shared history and reaffirms our commitment to never forget the lessons of that day.
I am proud to support this effort. I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1993, the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act, sponsored by Representative Goldman of New York.
of the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. That is a day that deeply transformed our country and persists in the American memory.
honor the memory of the 2,977 lives that were taken during these attacks; the strength of their families and loved ones; the sacrifices of many others involved in the rescue, recovery, and relief efforts; and the courage of the survivors.
Unfortunately, the devastation did not end that day. In the aftermath, countless people across the country continued to suffer from the physical and mental health impacts of this tragedy. Throughout the years, tens of thousands of first responders, construction workers, volunteers, and survivors have been injured or become ill from the toxic dust, smoke, and debris they were exposed to.
The data demonstrating these outcomes is heartbreaking. According to the World Trade Center Health Program, over 63,000 registered members have developed one or more medical issues rooted in their exposure to these toxins, and more than 9,000 people have died from 9/11-related illnesses. That is three times the number of people who were killed on September 11 itself.
lost their lives, as well as meaningfully support the individuals who continue to battle these health challenges today.
out this important work by providing services and engaging in educational efforts, which is why I am glad that we are supporting this bill today.
support the operations and maintenance of the memorial and museum so that visitors and future generations continue to learn about these horrific events and the heroic efforts of Americans.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lawler), who represents that State so ably and who witnessed firsthand the destruction on 9/11. I am grateful for Mr. Lawler's work in promoting this bill on the Republican side of the aisle.
{time} 1650
Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong and steadfast support of H.R. 1993, the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act. I thank my colleagues from New York, in particular, Congressmen Goldman and Garbarino, as well as 297 other colleagues who have cosponsored this legislation.
silent. The City that Never Sleeps came to a halt, and we all went into mourning for the thousands of innocent people who died that day.
9/11 changed New York, and it changed America. It continues to impact our communities today. To today, we still have first responders dying of 9/11-related illnesses. It is why I have spent so much of my tenure in Congress working on behalf of the victims, their families, and our first responders.
Gold Medal to Welles Crowther posthumously, a local hero who helped save 18 lives, known as the man in the red bandana. He represents the very best of America.
U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, and just in the past few months, my New York colleagues and I secured lifetime funding for the World Trade Center Health Program.
but I am committed to keeping our fallen Americans in our hearts, our minds, and our prayers each and every day, and especially every year on September 11.
This bill will allow the U.S. Mint to furnish a coin to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Notably, the surcharge proceeds of this coin will go toward the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum to help with the incredible work they do to tell the story of 9/11 and the resilience of New York.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York.
Mr. LAWLER. Mr. Speaker, we have promised never to forget 9/11, and we never will. We are committed to upholding that promise. I know my colleagues in Congress support this legislation, and I look forward to its unanimous adoption.
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Goldman), the sponsor of this bill, who has been a real leader in putting this legislation together.
Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for her support, as well as the chairman for moving this forward.
I rise today in support of H.R. 1993, the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act, as we are fast approaching the 25th anniversary of the worst attack on American soil in our history, a day when we lost almost 3,000 of our loved ones, neighbors, and friends in a coordinated attack by terrorists who wanted to destroy the very values for which our country stands: liberty and justice for all.
myself, watching from my apartment building less than a mile away as the second plane hurled itself into the towers. Then, seeing people covered in soot walking uptown while our heroes, the NYPD, the New York Fire Department charged downtown into the building to try to save whomever they could.
Nor can we forget what came in the days and weeks that followed: countless heroes who rushed into the danger, who then spent months on a pile that turned out to be poisonous, searching for survivors.
courage embody the resilience of our city, what it means to be a New Yorker, and our country. We will never forget them.
than even died that day. I was proud to have joined last year with my Republican colleagues from New York to ensure that we fully fund and indefinitely fund the World Trade Center Health Program, which now has well over 100,000 members from every State in the country.
direct the Department of Treasury to issue coins to commemorate this dark day in American history and to ensure that the events of September 11, 2001, are forever enshrined in our collective memory.
people in American history: the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that outlawed racial segregation, the brave African-American high school students at Little Rock Central High School after Brown v. Board of Education, the astronauts who took the first steps on the Moon. It is fitting that the victims and heroes of 9/11 will be honored in this same way.
Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center to support its critical work educating future generations and remembering those we lost.
This legislation has received overwhelming bipartisan support.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Yakym). The time of the gentleman has expired.
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York.
Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends and fellow New Yorkers, Chairman Garbarino and Representative Mike Lawler, for their partnership and work on this bill. We have over 300 of our colleagues who have joined in this effort, and I am deeply grateful for their support as the Representative of 9/11 in Congress.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Garbarino), the chairman of our Homeland Security Committee who is also a distinguished member of our House Financial Services Committee.
Mr. GARBARINO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the bill, the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act.
of September 11 and honor the lives lost and the resilience of our country in the aftermath of the attacks. The design process will include the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the proceeds will support the 9/11 Memorial & Museum's operations and maintenance at the World Trade Center site.
Importantly, this legislation comes at no cost to taxpayers.
Mr. Speaker, New Yorkers will never forget the bravery of the first responders who ran toward danger or the unity this country showed in one of our darkest moments.
responsibility to preserve these stories and ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made that day.
the first responders who answered the call, and the strength the American people showed in the face of tragedy.
{time} 1700
Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
in light of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
September 11 Memorial & Museum will help us honor the bravery of Americans for many generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
aisle recall the service and sacrifice of 9/11 as we prepare for the 25th anniversary. I think it is a fitting way to demonstrate America's belief in its future and remembrance of a day that deserves to never be forgotten, like we experienced on 9/11.
to present this bill to the House today. I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1993, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. GOLDMAN of New York. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed.