[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           AMERICAN 5-CENT COIN DESIGN CONTINUITY ACT OF 2003

  Mr. SUNUNU. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Banking 
Committee be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 258 and that 
the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 258) to ensure continuity for the design of 
     the 5-cent coin, establish the Citizens Coinage Advisory 
     Committee, and for other purposes.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
  Mr. SHELBY. Madam President, I rise today in support of H.R. 258, the 
Five Cent Coin Design Continuity Act. This legislation will allow the 
U.S. Mint to move forward with a nickel redesign to commemorate the 
bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark 
Expedition. The bill will also allow the Mint to observe Thomas 
Jefferson's 260th birthday and honor his many contributions to the 
founding of our great Nation. I would like to commend Senators Allen 
and Johnson for their support and commitment to this outstanding effort 
to honor our history.
  Thomas Jefferson's visionary decision to make the Louisiana Purchase 
opened the North American continent to the expansion of the frontier. 
Lewis and Clark's adventurous spirit provided the example for many 
brave pioneers to follow as they explored and settled west of the 
Mississippi. Thomas Jefferson's foresight and the courage of the 
members of the Lewis and Clark expedition presaged a legendary time in 
our Nation's history that emboldened the American spirit.
  This period in history truly merits commemoration on our nickel coin. 
It is important to celebrate these accomplishments and recognize the 
achievements of individuals who have had such an impact on our Nation's 
history. I am pleased that the Banking Committee and the Senate could 
move expeditiously to pass this legislation and I thank Senators Allen 
and Johnson for their support.
  Mr. SUNUNU. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be 
read a third time and passed, that the motion to reconsider be laid 
upon the table and that any statements pertaining to this matter be 
printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The bill (H.R. 258) was read the third time and passed.

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