On May 26, 2015, Rep. Joe Courtney of Connecticut introduced a bill which seeks to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the United States Coast Guard. In the last session of Congress, similar bills had been introduced in both the House of Representatives and Senate, but failed to become law.
The United States Coast Guard was founded on August 4, 1790 as the Revenue Cutter Service under the United States Department of the Treasury. The Coast Guard was created by Congress on January 28, 1915 by merging the Revenue Cutter Service and the United States Lifesaving Service and later moved to the Department of Transportation in 1967. On February 25, 2003, the Coast Guard became part of the Department of Homeland Security.
The bill H.R. 1683: United States Coast Guard Commemorative Coin Act would require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 100,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 silver dollars, and 750,000 clad half dollars carrying designs emblematic of the traditions, history, and heritage of the United States Coast Guard, and its role of securing our Nation since 1790. The designs would be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury following consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the National Coast Guard Museum Association, the Commission of Fine Arts, and review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
The coins would be minted in both proof and uncirculated qualities and may only be issued during the one year period beginning on January 1, 2018. Surcharges of $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver dollar, and $5 per half dollar would be included in the sales prices of each coin. The surcharges would be distributable to the Secretary to the National Coast Guard Museum Association to help finance the design, construction, operations, and maintenance of the National Coast Guard Museum.
The bill currently has 106 cosponsors and has been referred tot he House Financial Services Committee. In order to become law, it must be passed by both the House of Representatives and Senate, and then signed by the President.
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