[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 12380-12384]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             MEDAL OF HONOR COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT OF 2009

  Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 1209) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins 
in recognition and celebration of the establishment of the Medal of 
Honor in 1861, America's highest award for valor in action against an 
enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the 
Armed Services of the United States, to honor the American military men 
and women who have been recipients of the Medal of Honor, and to 
promote awareness of what the Medal of Honor represents and how 
ordinary Americans, through courage, sacrifice, selfless service and 
patriotism, can challenge fate and change the course of history.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 1209

       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 ``Medal of Honor Commemorative 
     Coin Act of 2009''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds as follows:
       (1) The Medal of Honor, first authorized by the Congress in 
     1861 as the United States Navy's highest personal decoration, 
     the Army Medal of Honor was authorized by the Congress in 
     1862, and the Air Force Medal of Honor was authorized by 
     Congress in 1956.
       (2) The Medal of Honor is presented by the President of the 
     United States in the name of the Congress, to a person who, 
     while a member of the United States Armed Forces, 
     distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry 
     and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and 
     beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an 
     enemy of the United States; while engaged in military 
     operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; 
     or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an 
     armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the 
     United States is not a belligerent party.
       (3) The deed performed must have been one of personal 
     bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly 
     distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must 
     have involved risk of life.
       (4) Incontestable proof of the performance of the service 
     will be exacted and each recommendation for the award of this 
     decoration will be considered on the standard of 
     extraordinary merit.
       (5) Fewer than 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded to 
     members of the United States Armed Forces.
       (6) The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is a not-for-
     profit organization chartered by the 85th Congress under a 
     legislative act signed into law by President Dwight D. 
     Eisenhower on August 14, 1958, and membership in the Society 
     is restricted to recipients of the Medal of Honor.
       (7) Society members are joined together for the purpose of 
     forming and maintaining friendship among all living 
     recipients of the Medal of Honor and remembrance of 
     posthumous and deceased recipients.; they are dedicated to 
     the protection and preservation of the dignity, honor and 
     name of the Medal

[[Page 12381]]

     of Honor; service to others; service to Nation; and the 
     promotion of allegiance to the Constitution and the 
     Government of the United States.
       (8) Members of the Society act to foster patriotism and to 
     inspire and encourage the youth of America to become worthy 
     citizens.
       (9) The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, a 
     501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by the Society 
     in 1999, is dedicated to--
       (A) perpetuating the Medal of Honor's legacy through 
     outreach and collaborative efforts;
       (B) raising funds for initiatives that promote what the 
     Medal of Honor represents, operation of the Congressional 
     Medal of Honor Society headquarters, and the public outreach 
     activities of the Medal of Honor Society's membership; and
       (C) promoting American values and the qualities of courage, 
     sacrifice and patriotism through increased awareness, 
     education, scholarships, behavior and example.
       (10) Through its educational and outreach programs, the 
     Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation promotes heroism, 
     selflessness and distinguished citizenship among American 
     youth and brings public awareness to the actions of ordinary 
     Americans who have made and are making a profound difference 
     in preserving our freedoms.

     SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.

       (a) Denominations.--In recognition and celebration of the 
     founding of the Medal of Honor in 1861, and notwithstanding 
     any other provision of law, the Secretary of the Treasury 
     (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') 
     shall mint and issue the following coins:
       (1) $5 gold coins.--Not more than 100,000 $5 gold coins, 
     which shall--
       (A) weigh 8.359 grams;
       (B) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and
       (C) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy.
       (2) $1 silver coins.--Not more than 500,000 $1 coins , 
     which shall--
       (A) weigh 26.73 grams;
       (B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and
       (C) 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 traditions, legacy, and 
     heritage of the Medal of Honor, and the distinguished service 
     of its recipients in the Nation's history.
       (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 ``2011''; 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--
       (1) contain motifs that represent the 3 Medal of Honor 
     designs (Army, Navy, and Air Force) and specifically honor 
     the Medal of Honor recipients of both today and yesterday, 
     such designs to be consistent with the traditions and 
     heritage of the United States Armed Services, the mission and 
     goals of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and the 
     mission and goals of the Congressional Medal of Honor 
     Foundation;
       (2) be selected by the Secretary, after consultation with 
     the Boards of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and 
     Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation and the Commission of 
     Fine Arts; and
       (3) be reviewed by the Citizens Coin Advisory Committee.

     SEC. 5. ISSUANCE.

       (a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be 
     issued in uncirculated and proof qualities.
       (b) Mint Facility.--For each of the 2 denomination of coins 
     minted under this Act, at least 1 facility of the United 
     States Mint shall be used to strike proof quality coins, 
     while at least 1 other such facility shall be used to strike 
     the uncirculated quality coins.
       (c) Period for Issuance.--The Secretary of the Treasury may 
     issue coins minted under this Act only during the 1-year 
     period beginning on January 1, 2011.

     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(a) 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 minted under this Act 
     shall include a surcharge as follows:
       (1) A surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 coin.
       (2) A surcharge of $10 per coin for the $1 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 Congressional Medal of 
     Honor Foundation to help finance the educational, scholarship 
     and outreach programs of the Foundation.
       (c) Audits.--The Congressional Medal of Honor 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 (as in effect on the date of the enactment 
     of this Act). The Secretary may issue guidance to carry out 
     this subsection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Watt) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. 
Paulsen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from North Carolina.


                             General Leave

  Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from North Carolina?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1209, the Medal of Honor 
Commemorative Coin Act of 2009. The Medal of Honor was first authorized 
by Congress in 1861 as the U.S. Navy's highest personal decoration, and 
other branches of the military followed suit with their own Medals of 
Honor.
  The Medal of Honor is bestowed upon a member of the Armed Forces that 
conspicuously distinguishes him or herself at the risk of his or her 
own life above and beyond the call of duty while defending this country 
against an enemy force.
  Fewer than 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded to members of the 
United States Armed Forces, and I commend the bill's sponsor, 
Representative Chris Carney of Pennsylvania, for honoring some of 
America's bravest soldiers and most outstanding citizens by 
introduction of this bill.

  Madam Speaker, I submit the following correspondence:

                                         House of Representatives,


                                  Committee on Ways and Means,

                                     Washington, DC, May 11, 2009.
     Hon. Barney Frank,
     Chairman, Financial Services Committee,
     Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Barney: I am writing regarding H.R. 1209, the ``Medal 
     of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009.''
       As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means maintains 
     jurisdiction over bills that raise revenue. H.R. 1209 
     contains a provision that establishes a surcharge for the 
     sale of commemorative coins 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 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 bill or similar legislation in the future.
       I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming 
     this understanding with respect to H.R. 1209, and would ask 
     that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be 
     included in the Record.
           Sincerely,
                                                Charles B. Rangel,
                                                         Chairman.

[[Page 12382]]

     
                                  ____
                                         House of Representatives,


                              Committee on Financial Services,

                                     Washington, DC, May 12, 2009.
     Hon. Charles B. Rangel,
     Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Charlie: I am writing in response to your letter 
     regarding H.R. 1209, the ``Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin 
     Act of 2009,'' which was introduced in the House and referred 
     to the Committee on Financial Services on February 26, 2009. 
     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 coins 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. 1209 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. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
1209, the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009, introduced by 
the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Carney) as well as my colleague, 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk).
  This bill would authorize the minting and issuance of up to 500,000 
silver $1 coins and up to 1,000 gold $5 coins at no cost to the 
taxpayer. These coins will help raise up to $8.5 million that can be 
used to help the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation finance its 
educational, scholarship, and outreach programs.
  Madam Speaker, the Medal of Honor was created during the Civil War to 
honor individual acts of extreme bravery and replaced a series of other 
U.S. military medals that had been awarded all the way back to General 
George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The medal is often 
known as the Congressional Medal of Honor because it is awarded often 
by the President in the name of Congress. It is our Nation's highest 
military medal.
  Madam Speaker, recounting the acts that have earned the Medal of 
Honor is a window into the acts of courage that strike awe in all 
Americans: hand-to-hand combat, climbing the walls of a fort into enemy 
fire, leaping onto a grenade to save the lives of comrades. Each 
recipient is a hero to whom we owe our freedom.
  Since the first medals were awarded, more than 3,400 Medals of Honor 
have been awarded to a total of 3,400-and-some individuals. And those 
are good, correct figures. Extraordinarily, 19 people have received two 
Medals of Honor.
  Madam Speaker, the Medal of Honor Foundation, which this legislation 
will help fund, seeks to educate the public on the values of courage, 
the values of sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity and 
commitment. These are values that are embodied by the medals' winners 
and are truly American values we can all be proud of. Passage of this 
bill will help fund the foundation's activities and encourage others to 
follow in these brave recipients' footsteps. I urge my colleagues to 
support the legislation.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I am told that Mr. Carney, the original 
sponsor of this bill, is on his way to the floor, so I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk), who is the principal Republican 
sponsor of this bill.
  Before doing that, however, I want to note that Mr. Kirk was also a 
principal sponsor of a commemorative coin honoring disabled American 
veterans that will help fund a memorial to them that is scheduled to be 
built between the Rayburn and the Ford buildings. This Chamber owes him 
a round of appreciation for all of his hard work on those important 
issues.
  Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and thank the ranking 
member for this opportunity to speak in praise of Chris Carney. It is 
no accident that Chris and I work on a number of pieces of legislation. 
The bond between us, forged in the United States Navy, is stronger than 
any partisan bond, and he has become a real hero to me in building 
these bipartisan efforts to commemorate our men and women in uniform.
  We put forward H.R. 1209, the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act, 
and it is bipartisan legislation. Under the rules of the House, it had 
to get over 290 cosponsors. We think it will help the Foundation raise 
over $5 million for their benefit.
  As everyone knows, the Medal of Honor is the Nation's highest award 
for valor in action against an enemy force, and it symbolizes how 
uniformed Americans have gone above and beyond the call of duty in 
defense of our Nation.
  Today I am wearing a Navy Commendation Medal, which in my view is 
about 17 ranks below what is given in the Medal of Honor. There have 
been 3,400 medals awarded to date, but we are focusing our effort on 
the 97 living recipients who are among us.
  They are people like Al Lynch of Gurnee, Illinois, a man who serves 
on my Veterans Advisory Board and who I know and respect. Like many of 
us veterans, when one of the Medal of Honor recipients walks into a 
room wearing that very unique insignia, everyone goes silent. I will 
say, at least from my experience and I think from other veterans, we 
all know where a Medal of Honor recipient is in the room for as long as 
he is in the room.
  Al grew up in our area, went to high school, enlisted in the Army, 
and in 1966 volunteered for service in Vietnam as a rifleman and a 
platoon radio operator. In December 1967, his company was deployed to 
the Bong Son area of the central highlands. And after a month of almost 
daily fighting with the enemy, his unit was ordered to the rear for 
rest and recuperation; but that rest was short-lived, because the 
company which relieved his unit was ambushed.
  As Al's platoon mobilized the next morning, he saw three wounded men. 
Not thinking of himself, he dashed across 50 meters of open ground, 
through a hail of enemy fire, and carried them one by one to safety. 
When his company was forced to withdraw, it was Al who remained to aid 
his comrades rather than abandoning them. For 2 hours, he defended 
their position against an advancing enemy.
  Following this heroic action, he located the counterattacking 
friendly company to assist the attack and to evacuate the three 
casualties. He successfully completed his tour in Vietnam and was sent 
to Fort Hood, Texas, where he was discharged from the Army in 1969. A 
year later, just before he was to be married, he learned that for these 
actions he would receive the Medal of Honor, and on May 14, 1970, 
President Nixon presented it to him.
  We also commend men like Sammy Davis of Flat Rock, Illinois. On 
November 18, 1967, while serving as a cannoneer at a remote fire 
support base just west of Cai Lay, Vietnam, he came under heavy mortar 
attack. Sergeant Davis single-handedly fired his howitzer several times 
at the enemy. Undaunted by an enemy mortar blast which landed 20 meters 
from his position wounding him, he continued to fight. Disregarding his 
extensive injuries and his inability to swim, Sergeant Davis used an 
air mattress to rescue three wounded comrades trapped on the other side 
of the river with the Vietcong. Upon reaching the wounded men, he stood 
and fired into the dense vegetation to prevent the enemy from 
advancing.
  You may slightly recognize Sergeant Davis' story because it was the 
model for the iconic movie ``Forrest Gump,'' which was largely based on 
his experience. Footage from the Medal of Honor presentation to 
Sergeant Davis was actually used in the movie, with Tom Hanks' head 
superimposed on the body of Sammy Davis.
  On July 11, 1969, Captain--then First Lieutenant--Hal Fritz from 
Peoria,

[[Page 12383]]

was seriously wounded when he was suddenly ambushed escorting a truck 
convoy in a seven-vehicle armored column near Quan Loi in Vietnam.
  After realizing his platoon was completely surrounded, he ran from 
vehicle to vehicle in order to reposition his men, assist the wounded, 
and provide encouragement. When the enemy attempted to overrun the 
platoon, Captain Fritz manned the machine gun and inspired his comrades 
to break the assault. Moments later, a second enemy force advanced, and 
only with a pistol and a bayonet, Captain Fritz led his small group of 
men in a daring charge that routed the attackers.
  When relief arrived, Captain Fritz stayed to manage the troops. And 
when he saw they were not being deployed effectively, despite his 
wounds, refused medical attention and organized everything until his 
wounded comrades were treated and evacuated.

                              {time}  1630

  Maybe the most dramatic story that we have in Illinois comes on the 
day of January 8, 1945. During a battle near Kaysersberg, France, 
Sergeant Russell Dunham of Jerseyville, Illinois, single-handedly 
assaulted three enemy machine guns using a white robe made of mattress 
cover as camouflage. Sergeant Dunham crawled 75 yards under heavy fire, 
and as he jumped to his feet 10 yards from the gun, a rifle bullet hit 
him, creating a 10-inch gash across his back and sending him spinning 
15 yards down the hill into snow.
  In excruciating pain, he got back up and renewed a one-man assault. 
After kicking aside a German egg grenade, Sergeant Dunham shot and 
killed the German machine gunner and assistant gunner. Sergeant Dunham 
then proceeded 50 yards through a storm of enemy fire to destroy the 
second machine gun by throwing two grenades into the emplacement. Under 
heavy fire from both machine guns and grenades, Dunham again advanced 
by crawling farther up the hill. At a range of 15 yards, he jumped to 
his feet and killed the crew of a timbered machine gun emplacement with 
hand grenades.
  Despite a painful wound, Sergeant Dunham spearheaded a spectacular 
attack that saved many of his men, and he just passed away a month ago.
  The stories of these four Illinois residents are just a few of the 
many extraordinary acts of heroism by soldiers, sailors, and airmen who 
went beyond the call of duty in the face of grave danger.
  The legislation authored by Congressman Carney before us, H.R. 1209, 
is important because it will serve as a reminder for these brave men 
and women--still numbering 90 strong--to promote the qualities the 
Medal of Honor embodies.
  As the first U.S. Representative to be deployed into an imminent 
danger area since World War II, I know many of the sacrifices and 
challenges that men and women in our Armed Forces face. Almost every 
morning I think about the men and women I served with in Afghanistan 
when I left there in January.
  This legislation helps us recognize the true heroes among that cadre. 
I think we will have some more heroes emerge from conflicts in Iraq and 
Afghanistan that are award winners. But today, we mark the 97 who are 
living, and those 3,400 who all received the Medal.
  This legislation will help us raise money for the foundation, will 
help us advance the values that these awardees embodied, and teach us a 
very, very painful but important lesson about how important this 
country is, how valuable it is, and how much it takes to defend her.
  Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Carney), the primary sponsor of 
this bill on our side.
  Mr. CARNEY. I thank the gentleman.
  I rise, obviously, in support of this bill. I do want to thank my 
good friend and shipmate, Mark Kirk, for working so hard across the 
aisle to get this done. It is always very heartening in this body when 
we can do the right thing, and this truly is the right thing to do. 
It's a commonsense approach that actually recognizes the members of the 
Armed Forces who have earned a Medal of Honor and provides a chance for 
the Medal of Honor Foundation to fill its coffers and continue to do 
the good work that it always intended to do.
  The Medal of Honor was first authorized by Congress in 1861 as the 
United States Navy's highest personal decoration. At that time, the 
Army and Air Force also created Medals of Honor to award their members.
  There have been a total of 3,447 recipients of the Medal of Honor. 
And as my good friend, Mr. Kirk, said, only 97 are living today.
  I am proud to represent a district in Pennsylvania. And I will have 
you know that Pennsylvania is second only to New York State in Medal of 
Honor recipients.
  It is my hope that these coins issued under this act will serve as a 
reminder of the importance of this medal and of the acts these brave 
men and women performed.
  The surplus of funds raised from these coins will benefit the 
Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, a not-for-profit organization 
chartered by the 85th Congress under legislation signed into law by 
Dwight Eisenhower on August 14, 1958.
  The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is dedicated to 
perpetuating the Medal of Honor's legacy through outreach and 
collaborative efforts. It also raises funds for initiatives that 
promote the values that the Medal of Honor represents, which is 
courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.
  Some of the examples of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation 
activities include working with the staff of the Smithsonian National 
Museum of American History to establish a dedicated Medal of Honor 
exhibit as part of the larger permanent exhibit called ``The Price of 
Freedom.'' They also established a Medal of Honor scholarship program 
for outstanding students enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps 
programs for the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, and the Marines. 
Collaborating in the production of two Medal of Honor documentaries 
released in 2006; one, ``The Medal of Honor,'' produced by PBS, and 
two, ``The Medal,'' syndicated for television across the United States. 
Established an Above & Beyond Citizen Honors program to recognize 
ordinary Americans who have exhibited in their daily lives the same 
ideals that the Medal of Honor recipients displayed in combat. The 
President of the United States joined the Medal of Honor recipients in 
the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns this year to 
initiate the Above & Beyond Citizen Honor ceremonies.
  Finally, the foundation distributed more than 53,000 copies of the 
book ``Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty'' to 
public and private school students in every State.
  These efforts deserve our support, and so do the men and women who 
have been awarded the Medal of Honor.
  I urge my fellow Members to support this bill to help ensure that the 
legacy of the men and women whose brave acts earned them the Medal of 
Honor will be remembered.
  Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, it has just been a great, great pleasure for 
me to listen to the stories of Mr. Kirk and Mr. Carney honoring the 
brave men and women who have received Medals of Honor. I want to thank 
them for introducing this bill to provide funding to the foundation 
that is doing, obviously, a great deal of wonderful work in our Nation 
to honor men and women who have served in the military and those out in 
the public who have not served in the military. So I commend them.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Thank you, Madam Speaker; I rise before you 
today in order to show my support for H.R. 1209, ``Medal of Honor 
Commemorative Coin Act of 2009.'' The coins minted as a result of this 
legislation will be in recognition and celebration of the establishment 
of the Medal of Honor in 1861, America's highest award for valor in 
action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual 
serving in the Armed Services of the United States, to honor the 
American military men and women who have been recipients of the Medal 
of

[[Page 12384]]

Honor, and to promote awareness of what the Medal of Honor represents 
and how ordinary Americans, through courage, sacrifice, selfless 
service and patriotism, can challenge fate and change the course of 
history.
  In these times of war and economic uncertainty I think it is 
important to honor those who served America to their greatest capacity. 
Moreover, recognition of this great honor will foster patriotism and 
inspire and encourage the youth of America to become worthy citizens.
  Only those who performed a deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice 
so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or 
her comrades and must have involved risk of life can receive a Medal of 
Honor. Incontestable proof of the performance of the service will be 
exacted and each recommendation for the award of this decoration will 
be considered on the standard of extraordinary merit. This award is so 
prestigious that fewer than 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded to 
members of the United States Armed Forces.
  The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 as passed would 
direct the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins 
and $1 silver coins emblematic of the design selected by the Secretary, 
after consultation with the Boards of the Congressional Medal of Honor 
Society and the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, in honor of 
the distinguished service of the American military men and women who 
have been Medal of Honor recipients.
  The design for the coins minted under this Act will contain motifs 
that represent the 3 Medal of Honor designs (Army, Navy, and Air Force) 
and specifically honor the Medal of Honor recipients of both today and 
yesterday, such designs that are consistent with the traditions and 
heritage of the United States Armed Services, the mission and goals of 
the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, and the mission and goals of 
the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
  The coins will only be available for a limited time. The period for 
coin issuance will be for the calendar year 2011. The coins minted 
under this Act shall be legal tender, however coins minted under this 
Act shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities.
  The treasury will only be producing no more than 100,000 $5 gold 
coins and no more than 500,000 $1 coins. I think it is wonderful that 
the surcharges imposed for the purchase of these coins will be 
distributed to the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to help 
finance educational, scholarship, and outreach programs of the 
Foundation.
  Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1209.
  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. WATT. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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