Members of Congress are being urged to support The 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps Commemorative Coin Act by The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
The act would instruct the U.S. Mint to issue more than one million coins to commemorate 250 years of Marine Corps history, raise funds and support future education, historical, and cultural programs.
“The 250th Anniversary of the Marine Corps is a truly historic moment, and this legislation serves as an opportunity, at no cost to taxpayers, for the American public to become part of the celebration,” said retired Marine Major General James W. Lukeman, president and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
The bipartisan legislation was formally introduced in February by a quartet of Marine Corps Veterans serving in Congress – Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK). The bill is currently in committee for both the House of Representatives and Senate.
“This bill and the commemorative coin it will create prompts all Americans to remember the legacy, sacrifice, and service of the United States Marine Corps. For the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps, we will reflect on the blood, sweat, and tears that Marines have poured out for our nation and we commemorate their fortitude and selfless dedication to the United States. We are forever indebted to those who have chosen to be the few and the proud, and especially to those who gave their last full measure of devotion so that we might remain free,” Bergman said.
Because Congress is limited to authorizing a maximum of two coins per calendar year, it is imperative that the bill is passed by this June. Legislative rules require at least 67 senators and 290 House members as co-sponsors for a commemorative coin bill before it can be scheduled for a floor vote.
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“This legislation is so essential to the future of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation because the proceeds will be used to support and fund our programs at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and across the country,” added Lukeman. “It is an opportunity for Congress to show their support for the generations of Marines who have served their country while upholding the Corps’ motto of Semper Fidelis. Funding from these coins will allow us to educate all generations – past, present, and future – about the Corps’ rich and storied history.”
The legislation would authorize the Department of Treasury to mint 50,000 five-dollar coins, 400,000 one-dollar coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins.
Taxpayers incur no cost when commemorative coins are issued, as funds are only disbursed to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation after the U.S. Mint has sold enough to reimburse the cost of designing and issuing the coins.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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