[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 14, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S6405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           AWARD OF A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO TONY BLAIR

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 91, S. 709.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will state the bill by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 709) to award a congressional gold medal to 
     Prime Minister Tony Blair.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
  Mrs. DOLE. Mr. President, I rise today in support of Senate passage 
of legislation I have sponsored to award the Congressional Gold Medal 
to The Right Honorable Tony Charles Lynton Blair, Prime Minister of 
Great Britain, First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil 
Service.
  The rules of Congress require that the recipient of a Congressional 
Gold Medal ``shall have performed an achievement that has an impact on 
American history and culture that is likely to be recognized as a major 
achievement in the recipient's field long after the achievement.''
  Indeed, Prime Minister Tony Blair has done just that.
  In the more than a year and a half since the tragic attacks of 
September 11th the United States has been thankful for the 
demonstration of solidarity from nations across the world. But, Tony 
Blair and the people of Great Britain deserve special recognition for 
their steadfast resolve in all of the challenges our nations have faced 
in the war against terror. Together, we have determined that ridding 
the world of terrorism and the regimes that support them and encourage 
them, is in the best interests of all of the nations of the world.
  For years, our nations have been close allies, and our allegiance to 
each other has been demonstrated time after time when our men and women 
have joined together to defeat a mutual threat. However, since the 
attacks of September 11, 2001, we have rediscovered the closeness in 
our relations just as tragedy brings families closer together. Let us 
keep the British troops and the families who have lost loved ones in 
our prayers as we pray for our own armed forces and families.
  In the 18th century, English philosopher Edmund Burke said, ``The 
only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do 
nothing.''
  It is clear that Prime Minister Blair and the people of Great Britain 
understands the truth in these words, and that strong leaders often 
hold lonely positions when they forgo the politically expedient.
  Prime Minister Blair took a courageous and principled stand before 
the world during a time that must have been politically lonely, and 
some might even say risky. But he stood strong for what was right and 
for what was just. And for that, he deserves nothing less than our 
highest accolades.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be 
read the third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon 
the table, that any statements relating to the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The bill (S. 709) was read the third time and passed, as follows:

                                 S. 709

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

     SECTION 1. FINDING.

       Congress finds that Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United 
     Kingdom has clearly demonstrated, during a very trying and 
     historic time for our 2 countries, that he is a staunch and 
     steadfast ally of the United States of America.

     SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.

       (a) Presentation Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate 
     shall make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on 
     behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design, to 
     Prime Minister Tony Blair, in recognition of his outstanding 
     and enduring contributions to maintaining the security of all 
     freedom-loving nations.
       (b) Design and Striking.--For purposes of the presentation 
     referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury 
     (referred to in this Act 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, at a price 
     sufficient to cover the cost thereof, including labor, 
     materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses, and 
     the cost of the gold medal.

     SEC. 4. STATUS OF MEDALS.

       (a) National Medals.--The medals struck pursuant to this 
     Act are national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 
     31, United States Code.
       (b) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of 
     title 31, United States Code, all medals struck under this 
     Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.

     SEC. 5. AUTHORITY TO USE FUND AMOUNTS; PROCEEDS OF SALE.

       (a) Authority To Use Fund Amounts.--There is authorized to 
     be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise 
     Fund such amounts as may be necessary to pay for the costs of 
     the medals struck pursuant to this Act.
       (b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sale of 
     duplicate bronze medals authorized under section 3 shall be 
     deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Montana.

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