[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 20, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H5775-H5778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




NATIONAL SEPTEMBER 11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL ACT OF 2010

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 4684) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to strike 
medals in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 
2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the establishment of 
the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center, 
as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 4684

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``National September 11 
     Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2010''.

     SEC. 2. STRIKING AND DESIGN OF MEDALS.

       (a) Striking of Medals.--In commemoration of the 10th 
     anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on 
     the United States and the establishment of the National 
     September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center, the 
     Secretary of the Treasury (hereinafter referred to as the 
     ``Secretary'') shall strike and make available for sale not 
     more than 2,000,000 silver medals, each of which shall 
     contain 1 ounce of silver.
       (b) Design Requirement.--
       (1) In general.--The design of the medals struck under this 
     Act shall be emblematic of the courage, sacrifice, and 
     strength of those individuals who perished in the terrorist 
     attacks of September 11, 2001, the bravery of those who 
     risked their lives to save others that day, and the 
     endurance, resilience, and hope of those who survived.
       (2) Inscriptions.--On each medal struck under this Act, 
     there shall be--
       (A) an inscription of the years ``2001-2011''; and
       (B) an inscription of the words ``Always Remember''.
       (c) Selection.--The design for the medals struck under this 
     Act shall be--
       (1) selected by the Secretary, after consultation with the 
     National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade 
     Center and the Commission of Fine Arts; and
       (2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

     SEC. 3. ISSUANCE OF MEDALS.

       (a) Quality of Medals.--The medals struck under this Act 
     shall be made available for sale in the quality comparable to 
     proof coins.
       (b) Mint Facility.--
       (1) In general.--Only 2 facilities of the United States 
     Mint may be used to strike medals under this Act.
       (2) Use of the united states mints at west point, new york, 
     and philadelphia, pennsylvania.--It is the sense of Congress 
     that, to the extent possible, approximately one-half of the 
     medals to be struck under this Act should be struck at the 
     United States Mint at West Point, New York, and approximately 
     one-half struck at the United States Mint at Philadelphia, 
     Pennsylvania.
       (c) Date of Issuance.--The Secretary may make the medals 
     available for sale under this Act beginning on January 1, 
     2011.
       (d) Termination of Authority.--No medals shall be struck 
     under this Act after December 31, 2012.

     SEC. 4. NUMISMATIC ITEMS.

       For purposes of sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United 
     States Code, all medals struck under this Act shall be 
     considered to be numismatic items.

     SEC. 5. NATIONAL MEDALS.

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

     SEC. 6. SALE OF MEDALS.

       (a) Sales Price.--The medals made available for sale under 
     this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to 
     the sum of--
       (1) the cost of designing and selling such medals 
     (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead 
     expenses, marketing, and shipping); and
       (2) the surcharge provided in section 7 with respect to 
     such medals.
       (b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the 
     medals at a reasonable discount.
       (c) Introductory Orders.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept introductory 
     orders for medals made available for sale under this Act.
       (2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to introductory 
     orders under paragraph (1) shall be made at a reasonable 
     discount.

     SEC. 7. SURCHARGES.

       (a) In General.--All sales of medals made available for 
     sale under this Act shall include a surcharge of $10 per 
     medal.
       (b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, 
     United States Code, all surcharges received by the Secretary 
     from the sale of medals under this Act shall be paid to the 
     National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade 
     Center to support the operations and maintenance of the 
     National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade 
     Center following its completion.
       (c) Audits.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
     shall have the right to examine such books, records, 
     documents, and other data of the National September 11 
     Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center as may be related 
     to the expenditures of amounts paid under subsection (b).

     SEC. 8. BUDGET COMPLIANCE.

       The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of 
     complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall 
     be determined by reference to the latest statement titled 
     ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, 
     submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the 
     Chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the House of 
     Representatives, provided that such statement has been 
     submitted prior to the vote on passage.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
New York (Mrs. Maloney) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lee) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney).


                             General Leave

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on this 
legislation and to insert any additional material that they wish to 
insert on this issue.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. MALONEY. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to commend my colleague from 
New York (Mr. Nadler) for his leadership on this bill and on so many 
other issues and for working selflessly to help the survivors and the 
residents and to help the city recover from 9/11. This is an example of 
another one of his efforts to help the city, to help our country, and 
to help us remember the terrible events of 9/11.

[[Page H5776]]

  The monumental events in a nation's life have always warranted 
memorialization. The events of 9/11/2001 are no different.

                              {time}  1640

  Those who died on that day, just going about their lives, just going 
to work that day, as we went to work today, they truly deserve to be 
honored forever as heroes and heroines.
  We know that we lost almost 3,000 lives on 9/11, but many thousands 
more lost their health. Those who came to the aid of those at the sites 
of the attack also deserve to be honored and remembered.
  And each of us in this body who lived through that day, each of us in 
this country who lived through that day, we each have vivid memories of 
our own seared in our minds, which deserve recognition as well.
  Thus, it is very fitting that, as we approach the ninth anniversary 
of the 
9/11 attacks, we offer a means to honor the dead, and our memories, and 
the victims, and the heroes, and the heroines, and the responders, and 
the residents, with H.R. 4684, the National September 11 Memorial & 
Museum Commemorative Medal Act.
  This bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to strike a commemorative medal in 
honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 next year, the price of which 
will include a $10 donation to support operations and maintenance of 
the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center 
site, with a design which will include the inscription, and I quote, 
``Always Remember.''
  This medal will allow all Americans and, indeed, anyone around the 
world, an opportunity to remember and to honor the thousands of men, 
women and children who died on that horrible day.
  This medal also supports the mission of the National September 11 
Memorial & Museum, to ``Recognize the endurance of those who survived, 
the courage of those who risked their lives to save others, and the 
compassion of all who supported us during our darkest hour.''
  The Memorial & Museum will demonstrate the consequences of terrorism 
on individual lives and its impact on communities at the local, 
national and international levels. The museum will attest to the 
triumph of human dignity over human depravity, and it will affirm an 
unwavering commitment to the fundamental value of human life.
  Mr. Speaker, those not yet born cannot understand in the same way 
that we do the events of that day, so we who do understand must 
establish a means by which generations to come may, in their own way, 
note and remember what our generation went through. The National 
September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act provides this 
means, this opportunity.
  I am proud to recognize my fellow New Yorker and colleague, Jerrold 
Nadler, who is the chief sponsor of this bill, and I yield to him such 
time as he may consume.
  Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support, and I 
want to congratulate my colleague from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for the 
incredible amount of work she has put in over the years, with me and 
with others, on trying to improve the lives of those who survived 
September 11. And hopefully, one of the main products of that work will 
be on the floor next week on the health care legislation.
  But today I rise in support of H.R. 4684, the National September 11 
Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act. Next year our Nation will 
mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. It will have 
been 10 years since the most lethal terrorist attack ever committed on 
U.S. soil, when thousands lost their lives as planes were turned into 
missiles in the skies over New York, Pennsylvania, and right here in 
Washington, D.C.
  In the years that have followed, that day's events have been 
transformed from searing headlines to indelible history. To pay tribute 
to those who lost their lives and to those still suffering because of 
the attacks of 9/11, I have introduced this bill, the National 
September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act.
  This bill will authorize the U.S. Mint to strike up to 2 million 
silver medals commemorating the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. 
The medals will be inscribed with the phrase ``Always Remember'' with 
the final design to be selected by the Treasury Secretary, in 
consultation with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.

  A surcharge of $10 on the sale of each medal will go directly to 
support the operations and maintenance of the National September 11 
Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center following the completion of 
the construction of the museum. These funds will help to preserve the 
history of 9/11 so that posterity will long remember the bravery and 
sacrifices of that day.
  Issuing a 9/11 commemorative medal is a simple but poignant way to 
mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks on our Nation, while 
simultaneously supporting the World Trade Center Memorial.
  I want to thank the more than 300 Members of the House from both 
parties who have signed onto this bill as cosponsors. I want to extend 
my special appreciation for the support given by Chairman Frank and 
Ranking Member Bachus as this bill passed through the Financial 
Services Committee. I also want to thank the leadership of the House 
for bringing this bill to the floor.
  This medal will be a tribute to the terrible loss that we experienced 
on 
9/11. And to truly honor those still suffering from the 9/11 attacks, 
we must finally provide them with the health care and compensation that 
their courage and sacrifice deserves.
  After the towers fell on 9/11, thousands of firefighters, police 
officers, paramedics and volunteers from all across the country came to 
Ground Zero to search for survivors and to begin the rebuilding 
process. Once there, they, along with thousands of community members, 
students and area workers, were exposed to toxic dust from the 
collapsed towers that filled their lungs and, in many cases, caused 
lasting health problems.
  It is our moral obligation to care for those who still bear the 
physical scars from this national tragedy. And, along with Mrs. 
Maloney, we are working with the leadership to bring the 9/11 Health 
and Compensation Act to the floor, hopefully, next week. That bill is 
essential because the best way to truly pay our respect to the victims 
and heroes of 9/11 is with the proper health care and compensation for 
their 9/11-related injuries.
  But today, let us honor those whose lives were lost in the attacks of 
2001, and commit to preserving the memory of 9/11 for future 
generations. With this bill, let us reaffirm that no matter the passage 
of time, we will never forget.
  I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this bill.
  Mrs. MALONEY. I thank the gentleman for his statement and for his 
leadership. I also thank my good friend and colleague on the other side 
of the aisle, Christopher Lee. This has been a strong bipartisan 
effort, and I congratulate him on his leadership in passing this 
important bill.

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Ways and Means,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2010.
     Hon. Barney Frank,
     Chairman, Financial Services Committee,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Frank: I am writing regarding H.R. 4684, a 
     bill requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to strike medals 
     in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 
     2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the 
     establishment of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum 
     at the World Trade Center.
       As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means maintains 
     jurisdiction over bills that raise revenue. H.R. 4684 
     contains a provision that establishes a surcharge for the 
     sale of commemorative medals that are minted under the bill, 
     and thus falls within the jurisdiction of the Committee on 
     Ways and Means.
       However, as part of our ongoing understanding regarding 
     commemorative medals and in order to expedite this bill for 
     floor consideration, the Committee will forgo action. This is 
     being done with the understanding that it does not in any way 
     prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of 
     conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives on this bill or 
     similar legislation in the future.
       I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming 
     this understanding with respect to H.R. 4684, and would ask 
     that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be 
     included in the Record.
           Sincerely,
                                                  Sander M. Levin,
                                                         Chairman.

[[Page H5777]]

     
                                  ____
                                         House of Representatives,


                              Committee on Financial Services,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2010.
     Hon. Sander M. Levin,
     Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means,
     House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing in response to your letter 
     regarding H.R. 4684, a bill requiring the Secretary of the 
     Treasury to strike medals in commemoration of the 10th 
     anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on 
     the United States and the establishment of the National 
     September 11th Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center. 
     This bill was introduced in the House and referred to the 
     Committee on Financial Services on February 24, 2010. It is 
     my understanding that this bill will be scheduled for floor 
     consideration shortly.
       I wish to confirm our mutual understanding on this bill. As 
     you know, section 7 of the bill establishes a surcharge for 
     the sale of commemorative medals that are minted under the 
     bill. I acknowledge your committee's jurisdictional interest 
     in such surcharges as revenue matters. However, I appreciate 
     your willingness to forego committee action on H.R. 4684 in 
     order to allow the bill to come to the floor expeditiously. I 
     agree that your decision to forego further action on this 
     bill will not prejudice the Committee on Ways and Means with 
     respect to its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar 
     legislation. I would support your request for conferees on 
     those provisions within your jurisdiction should this bill be 
     the subject of a House-Senate conference.
       I will include this exchange of letters in the 
     Congressional Record when this bill is considered by the 
     House. Thank you again for your assistance.
                                                     Barney Frank,
                                                         Chairman.

  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LEE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4684, the 
National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act.
  No one can forget the September morning, where we were, the way we 
felt, what we feared. As the tragedy unfolded, all of us wondered what 
it meant for the future.
  The attacks of September 11 occurred during a time of relative 
tranquility for this Nation. The country had entered a new decade, 
excited about the boundless opportunities that lay ahead of the new 
century and confident it would realize the potential of its people.
  9/11 shook that confidence. The downed planes and the burning 
buildings and the shattered lives and families showed us just how 
vulnerable we truly were. At that moment the paths of prosperity and 
progress, of safety and liberty that our Nation had so surely followed 
seemed in jeopardy.

                              {time}  1650

  But more telling than that day was not how vulnerable we felt when 
the terrorists struck, but more so how resolute we were in our response 
and in the comforting arms extended to help our fellow citizens. First 
responders rushed to the scene. Upon seeing the devastation before 
them, these men and women rushed into the buildings knowing their lives 
were in danger. They put aside their personal safety and rushed to the 
aid of those in need. They epitomized the bravery and resilience that 
has been the foundation of this Nation since its inception, the 
compassion and the will that built the United States into truly what it 
is today.
  As Americans and the world witnessed the response, it became clear 
that although the attacks would change the decisions and circumstances 
of our Nation, it would not change our resolve. Alongside the tragedy 
of that day, we watched America's greatness as ordinary citizens showed 
their capacity, America's capacity, in meeting challenges knows no 
bounds.
  This bill, which enjoys the support of over 300 cosponsors and the 
entire New York delegation, asks us to remember the individuals who 
perished that fateful day. It directs the Secretary of the Treasury to 
make available 2 million silver medals designed to be emblematic of the 
courage, sacrifice, and strength of those individuals who died in the 
terrorist attacks and the bravery of those who risked their lives to 
save others that day.
  These medals will be sold with a $10 surcharge that will be paid to 
the National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center. 
All of this will be accomplished at no cost to the taxpayers.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in remembrance of those who lost 
their lives on September 11. They will never be forgotten.
  I commend my colleague from New York (Mr. Nadler), the chief sponsor 
of this measure, for his commitment to getting this issue before the 
House today. I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. MALONEY. I thank the gentleman for his statement, and I thank my 
colleague Mr. Nadler for his hard work in securing the 300 cosponsors. 
The World Trade Center site and museum will be in the district that he 
is honored to represent. And he has continued to be an outstanding, 
forceful spokesperson, as Mr. Lee has, in support of not only the 
suffering of those who lost their lives, but for the men and women who 
lost their health and who are in dire need of health care and support.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LEE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. MALONEY. I thank my colleagues in this Chamber. I thank 
Americans across this country.
  On 9/11 many people remember the attack, but they do not remember 
that this was also one of the greatest rescue efforts in history. I was 
at the site on September 12, and they were estimating that 25,000 
Americans perished. But because of the brave work of volunteers, of 
police and fire, of responders, many, many lives were saved. Many 
people on that day lost their lives, but more people lost their health.
  As we know in this body, this was a response not only from New York, 
but 432 different congressional districts sent first responders, 
volunteers, help. They worked at the pile, they worked at the site, and 
they helped America recover. These men and women were there for us. We 
need to be there for them. That's why this bill is so important. I urge 
all of my colleagues to collectively vote and support it. I 
congratulate Mr. Nadler and Mr. Lee for their leadership in moving this 
to the floor for a vote.
  I urge a ``yes'' vote.
  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4684, 
which authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to create medals to 
commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist 
attacks. I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 4684, and I thank my colleague, 
Congressman Nadler for introducing this legislation.
  September 11, 2001 was a day that changed America. Everyone remembers 
the events that unfolded that day, when we put differences aside and 
came together united and determined to respond to the unprovoked attack 
on our country.
  As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I have worked with my 
colleagues to ensure that another terrorist attack like 9/11 never 
again occurs on our soil. This committee was formed in response to the 
events that occurred on that day. We must continue to vigilantly defend 
our country against potential threats.
  Mr. Speaker, there were so many brave and courageous acts that 
occurred on September 11, 2001. The creation of these medals is a token 
of our appreciation to those individuals who put their lives on the 
line to save others. It also serves as a reminder of those who lost 
their lives on 9/11. It is especially appropriate that the medals will 
be inscribed with the words ``always remember'' since the medals will 
help support the operations and maintenance of the National September 
11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4684, 
which honors and remembers the courage and sacrifice of those who 
perished in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The creation 
of these medals serves as a tribute to them, and also commemorates the 
brave men and women who risked their lives to save countless others. 
These medals remind us of the resilience of the people who live in our 
great country.
  Mrs. MALONEY. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4684, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

[[Page H5778]]



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