National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2257
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Finance and Financial Sector
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-21: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-08T08:06:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act (H.R. 2257) aims to honor the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and recognize the service and sacrifice of firefighters throughout U.S. history by authorizing the U.S. Mint to produce and sell commemorative coins. Proceeds from surcharges will support the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's programs.
Key Provisions
- Coin Types and Specifications:
- Up to 50,000 $5 gold coins (8.359 grams, 0.850 inches diameter, at least 90% gold).
- Up to 400,000 $1 silver coins (26.73 grams, 1.500 inches diameter, at least 90% silver).
- Up to 750,000 half-dollar clad coins (11.34 grams, 1.205 inches diameter, following standard half-dollar specs under U.S. law).
- Legal Status: The coins are legal tender (can be used for payments) and classified as numismatic items (collectible coins sold at a premium).
- Design Requirements: Designs must symbolize the memorial and firefighters' history. Each coin includes its value, the year "2026," and standard inscriptions: "Liberty," "In God We Trust," "United States of America," and "E Pluribus Unum." Designs are selected by the Secretary of the Treasury after consulting the Commission of Fine Arts (an advisory body on public art) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, with review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (a panel advising on coin designs).
- Issuance Details: Coins will be produced in uncirculated (standard finish) and proof (high-quality, polished finish) versions at one U.S. Mint facility. Issuance is limited to the one-year period starting January 1, 2026.
- Sales Process: Sold at face value plus a surcharge and production costs (including design, materials, labor, marketing, and shipping). Bulk purchases and prepaid orders receive reasonable discounts.
- Surcharges and Distribution:
- $35 per $5 coin, $10 per $1 coin, $5 per half-dollar coin.
- Surcharges go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for its mission (e.g., support for firefighters' families and memorials).
- The foundation must undergo audits as required by U.S. law for recipients of such funds.
- No surcharges if issuing these coins would exceed the annual limit of two commemorative coin programs (per existing U.S. code).
- Financial Safeguards: Minting must not cost the U.S. government money overall. Surcharges are held until all production costs are recovered.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill does not broadly amend existing laws but authorizes a specific new commemorative coin program under Title 31 of the U.S. Code (governing money and finance). It incorporates standard rules for coinage (e.g., specifications, legal tender status, surcharges) while adding a potential override for the annual two-program limit on commemorative coins to allow this issuance. It also mandates consultations with specific groups for design, aligning with but not altering prior advisory processes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Treasury and Mint will manage design, production, sales, and cost recovery, with no net financial burden. This could slightly increase workload during 2026 but follows established procedures for similar programs.
- Citizens: Provides an opportunity for the public, especially coin collectors and supporters of firefighters, to purchase meaningful commemorative items. Funds raised support firefighter-related causes, potentially benefiting communities through foundation programs like family aid and education.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic coin production and honors U.S. firefighters.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: Primary beneficiary, receiving surcharges to fund memorials, peer support, and training programs.
- Firefighters and Their Families: Indirectly honored and supported through the foundation's work.
- U.S. Treasury and Mint: Responsible for execution, with built-in protections against financial loss.
- Public and Collectors: Able to buy coins, fostering awareness of firefighters' sacrifices.
- Advisory Bodies: Commission of Fine Arts and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee involved in design oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces accountability through required audits of the foundation and adherence to coinage laws, ensuring transparent use of funds. The surcharge limitation ties into broader controls on commemorative programs to prevent overproduction.
- Constitutional: Falls under Congress's explicit power (Article I, Section 8) to coin money and regulate its value, with no apparent conflicts.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by representatives from both parties) highlights non-partisan recognition of firefighters as essential public servants, potentially building goodwill across aisles without controversial elements.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]
Cosponsors (39)
Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-21: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-03-21: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act — issued 2025-03-21 — PDF (6 pages)