[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 108 (Thursday, August 1, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7939-S7940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. KERRY:
  S. 2870. A bill to amend titles 10 and 14, United States Code, to 
provide for the use of gold in the metal content of the Medal of Honor; 
to the Committee on Armed Services.
  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, today I rise to introduce legislation to 
bring greater honor and prestige to our most valiant veterans. This 
legislation, the Congressional Medal of Honor Act, will require the use 
of 90 percent gold in the metal content of the Medal of Honor.
  You may be surprised to learn that while foreign dignitaries, famous 
singers, and other civilians receive an approximately $30,000 medal--
the Congressional Gold Medal, our most valued veterans receive a $30 
medal. The cost difference lies in that the Medal of Honor consists 
primarily of brass plated slightly with gold. These American heroes 
deserve better and it's certainly the least we can do to honor their 
service.
  The cost of the proposal would be minimal. According to the 
Congressional Budget Office, the total cost of the bill would be $2 
million for a five-year period during which the new medals would be 
designed, produced and stockpiled. Our legislation would allow the 
approximately less than 1,000 living recipients awarded the Medal, or 
their next of kin, to receive a replacement Medal.
  Amelia Earhart once said that ``Courage is the price that life exacts 
for granting peace.'' In helping us win our peace, we should truly 
honor our bravest heroes by giving them the Medals they deserve.

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