[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 11, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S1011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. 
        Peters, and Ms. Lummis):
  S. 4051. A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and 
issue coins that are emblematic of the National Fallen Firefighters 
Memorial and the service and sacrifice of firefighters throughout the 
history of the United States; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and 
Urban Affairs.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the National 
Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act. Firefighters across Maine and 
throughout the country courageously and selflessly put their lives on 
the line to serve their communities, responding to emergencies at all 
hours to protect the lives and property of others. Tragically, some 
firefighters make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
  When a firefighter falls, the loss is felt not only by his or her 
family and colleagues but also by the entire community. The National 
Fallen Firefighters Foundation was established by Congress in 1992 to 
honor these heroes, to remember their service, and to provide vital 
support to the families they leave behind.
  As our Nation approaches the 25th anniversary of the September 11 
attacks, we are reminded once again of the extraordinary bravery and 
selflessness of America's first responders who answered the call 
without hesitation and rushed toward danger to rescue others. On that 
tragic day, 343 members of the Fire Department of the city of New York 
died in the line of duty. Since then, firefighters and other emergency 
responders involved in the response, rescue, and recovery operations 
have fallen sick because of their service at Ground Zero. Their courage 
continues to inspire and humble us.
  Firefighters risk their lives with every assignment they take. Over 
the years, the NFFF has recognized the sacrifices of 41 Maine 
firefighters. This year, the annual event will memorialize one more 
Mainer, Chief Bobby Dorr of Ellsworth, whose cancer was related to his 
fire service.
  In this spirit of remembrance and gratitude, I call on my colleagues 
to support the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act, which 
will recognize and honor our Nation's fallen firefighters with a 
commemorative coin program to support the National Fallen Firefighters 
Foundation.
  The commemorative coin program has long been a bipartisan way for 
Congress to recognize those who have made enduring contributions to our 
Nation. Authorizing a coin program to honor fallen firefighters and 
raise funds for programs to help those they leave behind, particularly 
as we reflect on the legacy of 9/11, is a fitting tribute and a 
meaningful way for Americans to show their appreciation. I urge my 
colleagues to support this legislation and to join me in honoring the 
firefighters who gave their lives in service to others on September 11 
and throughout our Nation's history.
  Mr. President, I would like to thank my colleagues and fellow 
Congressional Fire Services Caucus cochairs, Senator Klobuchar, Senator 
Murkowski, and Senator Peters, for supporting this legislation. I urge 
the rest of our colleagues to join us in honoring America's bravest.
                                 ______