Senate bill honors 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team with Congressional Gold Medals

What does this do?

S 94 would award Congressional Gold Medals to the 20 members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team, who defeated the Soviet Union at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics in what became known as the "Miracle on Ice." Three physical gold medals would be placed on permanent public display at the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The U.S. Mint would produce the medals and would also be authorized to manufacture and sell bronze replica medals to the public.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects the surviving players from the 1980 team, who would receive formal recognition from Congress, and the three named museums, which would become permanent custodians of the gold medals. Members of the public interested in purchasing a bronze replica would also be affected. The bill has bipartisan Senate support from members representing several states.

Why does it matter?

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors Congress can bestow, and passage would give the 1980 team that formal standing. The three museums would gain a federally recognized display, and bronze replicas would become available for public purchase.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Mint pays via existing operating fund
• Bronze sales revenue returns to Mint fund
• No new federal budget costs added