[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 120 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H5740-H5742]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL CENTURY OF SERVICE COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT
Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 2139) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in
commemoration of the centennial of the establishment of Lions Clubs
International, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 2139
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 ``Lions Clubs International
Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Lions Clubs International is the world's largest
service club organization founded in 1917 by Chicago business
leader Melvin Jones. Lions Clubs International empowers
volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian
needs, encourage peace and promote international
understanding through Lions clubs.
(2) Today, Lions Clubs International has over 1.35 million
members in more than 45,000 clubs globally, extending its
mission of service throughout the world every day.
(3) In 1945, Lions Clubs International became one of the
first nongovernmental organizations invited to assist in
drafting the United Nations Charter and has enjoyed a special
relationship with the United Nations ever since.
(4) In 1968, Lions Clubs International Foundation was
established to assist with global and large-scale local
humanitarian projects and has since then awarded more than
$700 million to fund five unique areas of service: preserving
sight, combating disability, promoting health, serving youth
and providing disaster relief.
(5) In 1990, the Lions Clubs International Foundation
launched the SightFirst program to build comprehensive eye
care systems to fight the major causes of blindness and care
for the blind or visually impaired. Thanks to the generosity
of Lions worldwide, over $415 million has been raised,
resulting in the prevention of serious vision loss in 30
million people and improved eye care for hundreds of millions
of people.
(6) On June 7, 2017, Lions Clubs International will
celebrate 100 years of community service to men, women, and
children in need throughout the world.
SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) $1 Silver Coins.--The Secretary of the Treasury
(hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'')
shall mint and issue not more than 400,000 $1 coins in
commemoration of the centennial of the founding of the Lions
Clubs International, each of which shall--
(1) weigh 26.73 grams;
(2) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and
(3) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.
(b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be
legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United
States Code.
(c) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of sections 5134 and
5136 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under
this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.
SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) Design Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this
Act shall be emblematic of the centennial of the Lions Clubs
International.
(2) Designation and inscriptions.--On each coin minted
under this Act, there shall be--
(A) a designation of the value of the coin;
(B) an inscription of the year ``2017''; and
(C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God We
Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E Pluribus
Unum''.
(b) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this
Act shall be--
(1) chosen by the Secretary after consultation with Lions
Clubs International Special Centennial Planning Committee and
the Commission of Fine Arts; and
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be
issued in uncirculated and proof qualities.
(b) Mint Facility.--Only one facility of the United States
Mint may be used to strike any particular quality of the
coins minted under this Act.
(c) Period for Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins
under this Act only during the calendar year beginning on
January 1, 2017.
SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS.
(a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under this Act shall be
sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of--
(1) the face value of the coins;
(2) the surcharge provided in section 7 with respect to
such coins; and
(3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including
labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses,
marketing, and shipping).
(b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the
coins issued under this Act at a reasonable discount.
(c) Prepaid Orders.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders
for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of
such coins.
(2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders
under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount.
SEC. 7. SURCHARGES.
(a) In General.--All sales of coins issued under this Act
shall include a surcharge of $10 per coin.
(b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31,
United States Code, all surcharges received by the Secretary
from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be
promptly paid by the Secretary to the Lions Clubs
International Foundation for the purposes of--
(1) furthering its programs for the blind and visually
impaired in the United States and abroad;
(2) investing in adaptive technologies for the disabled;
and
(3) investing in youth and those affected by a major
disaster.
(c) Audits.--The Lions Clubs International Foundation shall
be subject to the audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of
title 31, United States Code, with regard to the amounts
received under subsection (b).
(d) Limitation.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), no
surcharge may be included with respect to the issuance under
this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the
time of such issuance, the issuance of such coin would result
in the number of commemorative coin programs issued during
such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin program
issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31,
United States Code. The Secretary may issue guidance to carry
out this subsection.
SEC. 8. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES.
The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary
to ensure that--
(1) minting and issuing coins under this Act will not
result in any net cost to the United States Government; and
(2) no funds, including applicable surcharges, shall be
disbursed to any recipient
[[Page H5741]]
designated in section 7 until the total cost of designing and
issuing all of the coins authorized by this Act (including
labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses,
marketing, and shipping) is recovered by the United States
Treasury, consistent with sections 5112(m) and 5134(f) of
title 31, United States Code.
SEC. 9. 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 gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Dold) and the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
General Leave
Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and
add extraneous material on this bill.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 2139, the Lions Clubs
International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act.
Mr. Speaker, this bill, which authorizes the minting and issuing of
commemorative coins in 2017, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the
world's largest service club organization, Lions Clubs International.
Lions Clubs International empowers volunteers to serve their
communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, and promote
international understanding through service in Lions Clubs.
{time} 1650
The Lions Club was established, Mr. Speaker, in 1917 by Chicago
business leader Melvin Jones after he posed this simple question to his
local business club: ``What if people put their talents to work
improving their communities?'' Now headquartered in Oak Brook,
Illinois, the organization has grown over the years from that simple
question, Mr. Speaker, to 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million members
globally. In that time, the Lions Club has organized local youth
programs, taken up the banner to try to eradicate blindness, and
participated in the drafting of the United Nations charter.
The Lions Club has worked in countless ways to improve the lives of
people all over the world, Mr. Speaker. Here are just a few of the
highlights from this storied and generous organization. In 1925, Helen
Keller addressed the Lions Club at their international convention in
Cedar Point, Ohio. She challenged them to become the ``knights of the
blind in the crusade against darkness.'' The Lions embraced this
challenge and have since helped in the effort to save the sight of more
than 15 million children through eye screenings, glasses, and other
treatments. They have established eye care centers that have reached
more than 120 million children and prevented serious vision loss for
more than 30 million worldwide.
In 1945, the Lions Club became the first nongovernmental organization
invited to assist in the drafting of the United Nations charter. Since
then, the Lions Club has worked closely with the United Nations,
providing aid and manpower for the United Nations Children's Fund; the
United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization; and
the World Health Organization.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation does not merely recognize the
accomplishments of Lions all over the world. The people who voluntarily
buy Lions Club coins each will pay a surcharge on top of the cost of
producing and marketing the coin. The coins will be sold at a price
which will recover all taxpayer costs, and the surcharges go to the
Lions Club to further its work.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation recognizes and celebrates the
accomplishments of a truly selfless organization and all of its
members, who give so much of themselves each and every day. I am proud
to be one of the 292 cosponsors of this bill and of the 69 senators who
have sponsored the companion bill introduced by my good friend, Senator
Moran of Kansas. I look forward to its swift passage in this House and
over in the Senate, and I want to make sure that it gets to the
President's desk for signature.
With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. MOORE. I am so happy to be able to speak affirmatively about this
legislation. I'm really impressed with the storied history of the Lions
and their dynamic history, where they serve in more than 200 countries
and geographic areas. I am particularly struck by their service and
stewardship to our young people across the world, and I'm so proud to
be a cosponsor of this legislation. I would urge all Members to support
this resolution.
With that, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to another Member from the
State of Illinois, the chief deputy whip, (Mr. Roskam).
Mr. ROSKAM. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Today is a day when we can celebrate accomplishment in the private
sector and in the volunteer sector, and to celebrate a rich history and
a century of accomplishment--accomplishment that is borne of service to
one another.
The gentleman from Illinois a minute ago gave a brief history of the
Lions Club International. I am honored to serve as the representative
for the Lions Club International headquarters. They're an organization
that not only, as was previously mentioned, has an impact here in the
United States but has had an impact around the world. And I would argue
that if you have an impact on vision for children, if you have an
impact on vision for others, you're not just having an impact on that
family but you're having a generational impact.
And so here we are today, celebrating the Lions Club International as
they're on the cusp of a new century. So there's a lot to celebrate.
There's a lot to be proud of here. And I want to thank also Chairman
Bachus and Ranking Member Frank and the staff of the Financial Services
Committee and the Lions around the world who reached out and built a
constituency for this legislation today. I am a strong supporter, and I
am pleased to be a part of this bipartisan effort.
I urge its passage.
Mr. DOLD. I just want to wrap up by saying it is indeed an honor to
be able to stand up here in a bipartisan way to pay tribute to
literally the millions of members of the Lions Club that are doing such
great work all across the globe.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
U.S. House of Representatives,
Committee on Ways and Means,
Washington, DC, August 1, 2012.
Hon. Spencer Bachus,
Chairman, Committee on Financial Services,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Bachus, I am writing concerning H.R. 2139,
the ``Lions Clubs International Century of Service
Commemorative Coin Act,'' which is scheduled for floor action
the week of July 30, 2012.
As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means maintains
jurisdiction over matters that concern raising revenue. H.R.
2139 contains a provision that establishes a surcharge for
the sale of commemorative coins that are minted under the
bill, and this falls within the jurisdiction of the Committee
on Ways and Means.
However, as part of our ongoing understanding regarding
commemorative coin bills 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 or similar legislation in the future.
I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming
this understanding with respect to H.R. 2139, and would ask
that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be
included in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration.
Sincerely,
Dave Camp,
Chairman.
____
U.S. House of Representatives,
Committee on Financial Services,
Washington, DC, August 1, 2012.
Hon. Dave Camp,
Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Camp, I am writing in response to your letter
regarding H.R. 2139,
[[Page H5742]]
Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative
Coin Act, which is scheduled for Floor consideration under
suspension of the rules on Wednesday, August 1, 2012.
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 coins that are minted under the
bill. I acknowledge your committee's jurisdictional interest
in such surcharges as revenue matters and appreciate your
willingness to forgo action by the Committee on Ways and
Means on H.R. 2139 in order to allow the bill to come to the
Floor expeditiously. Also, I agree that your decision to
forgo 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.
Therefore, 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 and if you should
need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact
Natalie McGarry of my staff at 202-225-7502.
Sincerely,
Spencer Bachus,
Chairman.
____
U.S. House of Representatives,
Committee on Financial Services,
Washington, DC, August 1, 2012.
Hon. Dave Camp,
Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of
Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Camp: I am writing in response to your letter
regarding H.R. 2139, Lions Clubs International Century of
Service Commemorative Coin Act, which is scheduled for Floor
consideration under suspension of the rules on Wednesday,
August 1, 2012.
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 coins that are minted under the
bill. I acknowledge your committee's jurisdictional interest
in such surcharges as revenue matters and appreciate your
willingness to forego action by the Committee on Ways and
Means on H.R. 2139 in order to allow the bill to come to the
Floor expeditiously. Also, 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.
Therefore, 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 and if you should
need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact
Natalie McGarry of my staff at 202-225-7502.
Sincerely,
Spencer Bachus,
Chairman.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Dold) that the House suspend the rules and
pass the bill, H.R. 2139, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further
proceedings on this question will be postponed.
____________________