[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1305-S1307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. D'AMATO (for himself, Ms. Moseley-Braun, Mr. Chafee, Mr. 
        Robb, Mr. Reid, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Smith of New Hampshire, Mr. 
        Dodd, Mr. Biden, Mr. Craig, Mr. Allard, Mr. Mack, Mr. Grassley, 
        Mr. Kerrey, Mr. Bond, Mr. Burns, Mr. Hagel, Mr. Lautenberg, Mr. 
        Torricelli, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Domenici, Mr. Specter, Mr. Reed, Mr. 
        Johnson, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Kohl, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Enzi, Mr. 
        Santorum, Mr. Moynihan, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Cleland, Ms. Landrieu, 
        Mr. Kerry, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Faircloth, Mr. Lott, Mr. Gorton, 
        Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Coverdell, Mr. Brownback, Mr. 
        Grams, Mr. Lugar, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Murkowski, Mr. Roberts, Mr. 
        Shelby, and Mr. Thomas):
  S. 305. A bill to authorize the President to award a gold medal on 
behalf of the Congress to Francis Albert ``Frank'' Sinatra in 
recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions through his 
entertainment career and humanitarian activities, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.


                         gold medal legislation

  Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I rise this morning to introduce 
legislation on behalf of 48 Senators. I know and feel very strongly 
that when all of my colleagues are informed of the legislation that it 
will be unanimous and that all will join to authorize a congressional 
gold medal for Frank Sinatra. The time has come for Congress to 
acknowledge this great American and his contributions to the world of 
entertainment and society as a whole.
  It is fitting that we honor this man in the autumn of his years, as 
we have honored Bob Hope, John Wayne, Marian Anderson and other great 
performers, not only for the fact of their entertainment and the 
wonderful gift that God bestowed upon them, but for so many other 
aspects in terms of their bond with America, its people, and their 
contributions.
  Mr. President, this bill would authorize the U.S. Mint to commemorate 
the humanitarian and professional accomplishments of Frank Sinatra with 
a gold medal to be presented by the President on behalf of the 
Congress. In addition, bronze replicas of the original gold medal will 
be available to the general public for their private collection.
  It is estimated that not only will we be doing great honor to Frank 
Sinatra, but, in addition, it will result in a very substantial profit 
to the Treasury because many will buy these replicas, and indeed 
millions of dollars can and will be raised by our Government.
  Mr. President, Frank Sinatra has become one of the most, if not the 
most, recognizable vocalists in America and in the world. This talented 
man has singularly defined America's love affair with popular music for 
over five generations and has remained to this day a man of the people, 
a man who has brought pleasure to countless persons.
  The tremendous, positive impact Frank Sinatra has on people 
throughout the world is truly phenomenal. His songs have become a 
standard for young and old alike. Indeed, this impact goes beyond song 
and it goes beyond adversity. Frank Sinatra knew adversity and he 
overcame it in his own career rising to great heights. He overcame the 
trials and tribulations during his life and became a great 
humanitarian.
  Many people who adore Frank Sinatra and his music are not aware of 
that other side of the man--his generosity. Truly he could be called 
Mr. Anonymous because, Mr. President, unlike many who trumpet their 
generosity, who trumpet their gift giving, Mr. Sinatra did not do this. 
Indeed, he has raised literally hundreds of millions of dollars--not 
tens of millions--hundreds of millions of dollars for children, in 
particular, throughout the world, for those who were in need of help, 
whether it be for cancer, for AIDS, for retinitis pigmentosa--just name 
the charity and you will see that Francis Albert Sinatra most likely 
has been there, quietly giving of his time and his energy in caring for 
his fellow human being, giving back to the people of this country, 
throughout the length and breadth, establishing scholarships for young 
people, going back to his hometown and to his old high school to give 
of his time and his money. He took his wonderful gift of song and used 
it as a vehicle of benevolence.
  Let me just touch on one of these as an example. Mr. Sinatra has 
raised $9 million for just one institution, a great cancer center, 
Sloan-Kettering, by holding five concerts. I do not know how many know 
that. He did not ask his publicist to go out and speak to that. The 
money raised by Frank Sinatra began programs whereby those who are in 
need of treatment and do not have the financial wherewithal will not be 
turned away. This is because of the generosity of Frank Sinatra.
  Indeed, New Jersey can be rightfully proud of him, born in Hoboken in 
1915 to parents of modest means. I am pleased that both of the Senators 
from New Jersey have joined in cosponsoring this legislation. Those of 
us in New York are so proud, and we also claim him as a son of New 
York. He has given us the gift of his great performances, and we 
particularly love his rendition of ``New York, New York.'' But look 
throughout the country, the great Windy City of Chicago, and how 
fitting that the senior Senator from Illinois has also joined in this 
tribute which is long overdue.

  Mr. President, it cannot be denied that Frank Sinatra has had a 
remarkable career. Not long after reaching adolescence, he developed a 
keen love of music and the desire to perform. In high school he was 
responsible for screening and scheduling dance bands for Demarest High 
School's Wednesday night dances. In exchange for hiring musicians, he 
was permitted to sing a few songs with the different bands.
  A dream was growing in the young Frank Sinatra--his dream of becoming 
a successful entertainer. By the age of 21, Frank Sinatra was a 
professional singer. His first group was the Three Flashes, a singing 
and dancing trio which later became the Hoboken Four. A few years 
later, Frank Sinatra's investment in vocal lessons would prove to be 
invaluable as his singing career propelled him into stardom.
  In 1939, Frank Sinatra was hired by Harry James who had recently 
formed an orchestra of his own. The earliest performance reviews were 
not favorable, but Frank Sinatra persevered. Seven months later, he was 
hired away to join Tommy Dorsey's orchestra where he would formulate 
the essence of his signature singing style.
  After a successful, 2-year tour with Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra made 
the move to go out on his own in 1942. He recorded the first of 
numerous hit singles titled ``Night and Day.'' A year later he made his 
motion picture debut and had appeared in several movies by 1950. But, 
as quickly as Frank Sinatra found himself ``king of the hill, at the 
top of the heap,'' he found the constant demand on his time and talent 
contributing to a decline in his vocal quality.
  By the end of 1952, he had lost his agent and his film and recording 
contracts. The ``voice'' was nearly lost as well. Frank Sinatra was 
once eloquently quoted saying: ``You have to scrape bottom to 
appreciate life and start living again.''
  This personally and professionally trying time ended in 1953 with 
Frank Sinatra's award winning performance playing the role of Maggio in 
the production ``From Here to Eternity.'' The rebirth of his career was 
finally at hand. Frank Sinatra's new stardom quickly surpassed that 
which he had realized in the 1940's.
  Beginning in the 1960's, Frank Sinatra's flourishing acclaim as a 
preeminent performer earned him the title ``Chairman of the Board.'' He 
established his own recording company, Reprise, and began recording 
again, this time with more conviction than ever before. Frank Sinatra 
orchestrated television specials which featured little-known musical 
talents, performed live for huge, adoring audiences and began

[[Page S1306]]

to evolve as a legend. By 1984, his singing repertoire included well 
over 50 albums and record sales in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
  Throughout his entertainment career and rise to fame, Frank Sinatra 
worked tirelessly and steadfastly to cure some of the ills of society. 
In one of the most outstanding examples of his generosity, Frank 
Sinatra personally, and entirely, I might add, financed and donated his 
talent and superstardom along with other renowned performers for a 
world tour benefitting children's hospitals, orphanages, and schools in 
six countries. This whirlwind jaunt included 30 concerts in 10 weeks. 
And never once did Frank Sinatra seek glory from this feat through 
publicity or any other means.
  Frank Sinatra's generosity has touched the lives of the 
underprivileged, the terminally and chronically ill, children, 
minorities and students not only in this country, but in Latin America, 
Israel, Europe, and Mexico. His works of goodwill have financed entire 
wings in hospitals, numerous scholarships, educational programs, and 
student centers. He has selflessly served as chairman on numerous 
boards for charities and councils borne out of sincerity, humility, and 
the goal of equality. If I could stand here and recite all of the 
things Frank Sinatra has done from his heart for his fellow man and 
woman, poor, old, young, sick and the like, and recited all of the 
awards this giant among us has received, I would be here all day.

  Mr. President, since 1945 Frank Sinatra's national and international 
humanitarian activities have been recognized. Just as a small sampling, 
he has been awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP, 
the Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild, the New York City 
Columbus Citizens Committee Humanitarian Award, the Kennedy Center 
Honors, the Scopus Award from the American Friends of Hebrew 
University, the Philadelphia Freedom Medal and the highest civilian 
honor in out country, the Medal of Freedom given to him by another 
American hero, President Ronald Reagan.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill and 
a selection of charities Mr. Sinatra graciously donated to and honors 
he received be printed in the record.
  Mr. President, I must say to you that the idea and the driving force 
behind Congressional recognition of Francis Albert Sinatra in the 
autumn of his life came from a Congressman born in Puerto Rico. This 
Congressman recently told me the touching and true story of how he 
learned English at the age of five from Frank Sinatra. That Congressman 
is Congressman Jose Serrano. His father, a World War II veteran, came 
home from the war with a group of 78 RPM records. On those records was 
the melodic voice of Frank Sinatra. Congressman Serrano said to me, 
``Senator, I learned to speak English. I didn't know any English. When 
my father came home, as a youngster, I would play these records. Frank 
Sinatra has been my idol.'' Mr. Sinatra's voice filled the Serrano 
household then as it does today. I thank my colleague for his diligence 
in working to have Frank Sinatra placed in a league with other 
deserving performers and philanthropists.
  Mr. President, let me conclude my remarks by citing a great song that 
Frank Sinatra popularized, ``My Way.'' I am not going to attempt the 
lyrics. I have sung on the Senate floor before and I promised Senator 
Ford I would not do so again, after his admonition. He was about to 
rise up and object. My mother cautioned me against attempting to sing 
again. But let me say when Frank Sinatra sings ``My Way,'' those words 
embody the spirit of this country, the spirit of giving people having 
the opportunity to do it their way, to rise, to climb to the heights 
that only America ensures.
  My true hope is that before this legislation is enacted, we will have 
100 cosponsors honoring a talented American, a gifted American, who has 
given so generously of himself not only in his performances but in 
terms of making this a better country and a better world for so many 
who are less fortunate.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                                 S. 305

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds that--
       (1) Francis Albert ``Frank'' Sinatra has touched the lives 
     of millions around the world and across generations through 
     his outstanding career in entertainment, which has spanned 
     more than 5 decades;
       (2) Frank Sinatra has significantly contributed to the 
     entertainment industry through his endeavors as a producer, 
     director, actor, and gifted vocalist;
       (3) the humanitarian contributions of Frank Sinatra have 
     been recognized in the forms of a Lifetime Achievement Award 
     from the NAACP, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the 
     Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Presidential 
     Medal of Freedom Award, and the George Foster Peabody Award; 
     and
       (4) the entertainment accomplishments of Frank Sinatra, 
     including the release of more than 50 albums and appearances 
     in more than 60 films, have been recognized in the forms of 
     the Screen Actors Guild Award, the Kennedy Center Honors, 8 
     Grammy Awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and 
     Science, 2 Academy Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture 
     Arts and Sciences, and an Emmy Award.

     SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.

       (a) Presentation Authorized.--The President is authorized 
     to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal of 
     appropriate design to Francis Albert ``Frank'' Sinatra in 
     recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions 
     through his entertainment career and numerous humanitarian 
     activities.
       (b) Design and Striking.--For the purpose of the 
     presentation referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of 
     the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the 
     ``Secretary'') shall strike a gold medal with suitable 
     emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the 
     Secretary.

     SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS.

       The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of 
     the gold medal struck pursuant to section 2 under such 
     regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, and at a price 
     sufficient to cover the costs thereof, including labor, 
     materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, and the 
     cost of the gold medal.

     SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS.

       The medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals 
     for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.

     SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; PROCEEDS OF SALE.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is hereby 
     authorized to be charged against the Numismatic Public 
     Enterprise Fund an amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay for 
     the cost of the medal authorized by this Act.
       (b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sales of 
     duplicate bronze medals under section 3 shall be deposited in 
     the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.
                                  ____

       Selection of general international awards for humanitarian 
     and philanthropic contributions: Italian Star of Solidarity, 
     Government of Italy `62, Commandeur De La Sante Publique, 
     France '65 Medallion of Valor, State of Israel '72, Jerusalem 
     Medal, City of Jerusalem, Israel '76, Primum Vivere (life 
     first) Award, World Mercy Fund '79, Grand Ufficiale Dell' 
     Ordine al Merito Della Repubblica Italiana, Italy '79 
     (presented by President Charles DeGaulle) Humanitarian Award, 
     Variety Clubs International '80, Order of the Leopard, 
     President of Bophuthatswana '81 (first white person to 
     receive), and Knight of the Grand Cross, Knights of Malta, 
     Sovereign Order of the Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem 
     '85.
       Selection of awards for national humanitarian and 
     philanthropic contributions: American Unity Award for 
     advancing the cause of better Americans '45, Commendation by 
     Bureau of Inter-Cultural Education '45, Commendation by 
     National Conference of Christians and Jews '45, Democratic 
     America Award, Courageous Fight On Behalf Of All Minorities 
     '46, Jefferson Award, Council Against Intolerance in America 
     '46, Hollizer Memorial Award, LA Jewish Community '49, 
     Distinguished Service Award, LA '71, Humanitarian Award, 
     Friar's Club '72, Splendid American Award, Thomas A. Dooley 
     Foundation '73, Man of the Year Award, March of Dimes '73, 
     Man of the Year Award, Las Vegas '74, Certificate of 
     Appreciation, NYC '76, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, 
     University of Nevada '76, Freedom Medal, Independence Hall, 
     PA '77, International Man of the Year Award, President Ford 
     '79, Humanitarian Award, Columbus Citizens Committee, NY '79, 
     First Member, Simon Weisenthal Center Fellows Society '80, 
     Multiple Sclerosis Special Award, National Hope Chest 
     Campaign '82, Kennedy Center Honors Award for Lifetime 
     Achievement, '83, Boy Scouts of America Distinguished 
     American Award, '84, Medal of Freedom, President Reagan '85, 
     Lifetime of Achievement Award, National Italian-American 
     Foundation '85, Coachella Valley Humanitarian Award, '86, and 
     Lifetime Achievement Award, NAACP '87.
       Selection of Charities and Foundations: Frank Sinatra Wing, 
     Atlantic City Medical Center, New Jersey, Frank Sinatra Fund 
     for outpatients with inadequate or exhausted medical 
     insurance coverage, Sloan-Kettering

[[Page S1307]]

     Cancer Center, New York Martin Anthony Sinatra Medical 
     Education Center Desert Hospital, California, Frank Sinatra 
     Child Care Unit, St. Jude's Children's Research Center, 
     Tennessee, Sinatra Family Children's Unit for the Chronically 
     Ill, Seattle Children's Orthopedic Hospital, Frank Sinatra 
     Student Scholarship Fund, Hoboken, New Jersey, Frank Sinatra 
     In School Scouting Program, Grape Street Elementary, Los 
     Angeles, Frank Sinatra International Student Center, Hebrew 
     University, Jerusalem, Frank Sinatra Youth Center for 
     Christians, Moslems and Jews, Israel, San Diego State 
     University Aztec Athletic Foundation, Variety Club 
     International, World Mercy Fund, and National Multiple 
     Sclerosis Campaign.

  Mr. MOYNIHAN. Mr. President, I rise to join my colleague and friend, 
Senator D'Amato, as a cosponsor of his bill to award a Congressional 
Gold Medal to Francis Albert Sinatra. Frank Sinatra is one of the most 
famous singers in the history of popular music. He is known as ``The 
Voice,'' ``Old Blue Eyes,'' and ``The Chairman of the Board.'' These 
nicknames attest as clearly as anything to his talent, his popular 
appeal, and his impact on American music.
  Mr. Sinatra began his career with local bands in New Jersey. He 
joined Harry James' band in 1939, but began to achieve his great 
popularity touring with Tommy Dorsey from 1940 to 1942. His solo career 
began in 1943 and never ceased.
  After conquering the musical world Mr. Sinatra began a film career 
that quickly earned him an academy award, in 1953, for his supporting 
role in ``From Here to Eternity.'' He went on to appear in some 50 
movies.
  Mr. President, New York has no official State song. For six decades 
now Frank Sinatra has entertained New Yorkers in music and film. His 
impact has been tremendous. But more than anything else his version of 
``New York, New York'' has given us cheer, enjoyment, and pride. It is 
certainly the unofficial song for millions. Therefore, I am delighted 
to cosponsor this bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Frank 
Sinatra. I encourage my colleagues to join us.
                                 ______