H.R.452 - Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.452, 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 presentation of three Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team. This is in recognition of their victory over the Soviet team at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
The Act authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the gold medals, and it specifies that one medal each will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum for display and research. The Act also allows for the striking and sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover the costs of the program.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect will be the creation and awarding of the Congressional Gold Medals. Long term, the Act aims to preserve the legacy of the "Miracle on Ice" and inspire future generations.
The display of the medals in prominent locations will serve as a reminder of the team's achievement and its impact on American morale and the sport of hockey.
Potential Benefits
- Boosts National Pride: Recognizes a significant moment in American sports history and national pride.
- Inspires Future Generations: Highlights the values of teamwork, perseverance, and achieving the unexpected.
- Supports Cultural Heritage: Preserves the memory of a key event in American cultural and sports history.
- Promotes Hockey: Encourages interest and participation in the sport of hockey at all levels.
- Honors Athletes: Formally acknowledges the achievements and contributions of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Direct Economic Impact: The Act primarily focuses on symbolic recognition rather than direct economic benefits.
- Potential for Cost Overruns: The cost of striking the gold and bronze medals could exceed initial estimates, although the sale of bronze duplicates aims to offset expenses.
- Opportunity Cost: Resources used for this Act could potentially be allocated to other programs or initiatives.
- Exclusion of Other Achievements: Focusing solely on this event might overshadow other significant achievements in American sports history.
- Risk of Commercialization: The legacy of the "Miracle on Ice" could be over-commercialized, potentially diluting its historical significance.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the general welfare clause. Awarding medals for extraordinary achievements can be seen as promoting national unity and pride, which contributes to the overall well-being of the nation.
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 individual rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments.
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).