Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act
Summary
The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award of three Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team. These medals recognize their victory over the Soviet team at the 1980 Winter Olympics. The Act also authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike duplicates of the gold medals in bronze for sale to the public.
Expected Effects
This act will formally recognize and celebrate the achievements of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team. It will also provide for the display of these medals in prominent museums. The sale of bronze duplicates could generate revenue for the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Potential Benefits
- Honors the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team for their historic achievement.
- Provides for the display of the medals at the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum.
- Inspires future generations of athletes and citizens through recognition of past achievements.
- Potentially increases tourism to the locations where the medals are displayed.
- Generates revenue through the sale of duplicate bronze medals.
Potential Disadvantages
- The cost of striking the gold and bronze medals will be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
- Limited direct economic impact beyond the numismatic and tourism aspects.
- The act primarily serves a symbolic purpose, with limited tangible benefits.
- May be perceived by some as a less pressing issue compared to other national priorities.
- Potential for debate over the allocation of resources to commemorative awards.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it promotes national pride and celebrates American achievements. Specifically, Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to coin money and regulate its value, which implicitly includes the power to create commemorative medals. The act does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).