Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 452
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Sports and Recreation
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-53
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-12: Became Public Law No: 119-53.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T16:38:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act," aims to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team by awarding three Congressional Gold Medals. It recognizes their upset victory over the Soviet Union—known as the "Miracle on Ice"—during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The team, made up of amateur college players, boosted American morale during the Cold War, inspired future generations, and helped grow the popularity of ice hockey in the United States.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Outlines the historical context, including the team's composition (listing all 20 players by name and hometown), the 4-3 victory over the Soviet Union on February 22, 1980, the subsequent gold medal win against Finland, and coach Herb Brooks' role. It highlights the event's cultural impact amid U.S. challenges like economic issues and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and notes the growth in U.S. hockey participation (from 136,000 registrations in 1980 to over 564,000 today) and NHL players (from 72 to 245).
- Award Authorization: The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate will arrange for three gold medals to be awarded on behalf of Congress to the team members collectively.
- Medal Design and Production: The Secretary of the Treasury will design and produce the gold medals with appropriate symbols and inscriptions.
- Distribution of Medals: After the award ceremony:
- One medal goes to the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York for display and research.
- One to the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Minnesota.
- One to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado.
- Duplicate Medals: The Secretary may produce and sell bronze replicas to cover production costs (including labor, materials, and overhead).
- Legal Status and Funding: The medals are classified as national medals under U.S. law (for legal protection) and numismatic items (collectible coins or medals). Costs are covered by the U.S. Mint's public fund, with sales proceeds returned to that fund.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act introduces no direct changes to existing laws. It authorizes a one-time honorary award under Congress's longstanding power to bestow gold medals (a tradition dating back to 1776 for recognizing notable achievements). It builds on prior medal awards without altering rules for their production, sale, or funding under Title 31 of the U.S. Code, which governs currency and medals.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint will handle production and sales, using its existing fund with no additional taxpayer burden (costs offset by bronze replica sales). Congress coordinates the ceremony, promoting national heritage without ongoing obligations.
- On Citizens: Provides symbolic recognition that could inspire pride in U.S. sports history and encourage youth participation in hockey, building on the event's legacy of increased registrations and NHL involvement. No direct financial or regulatory effects on individuals.
- On International Relations: Minimal current impact, though it commemorates a Cold War-era victory over the Soviet team, reinforcing historical narratives of U.S. resilience without addressing modern geopolitics.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team Members: Honored collectively through the medals, preserving their legacy (note: some members, like coach Herb Brooks, are referenced but not listed as recipients).
- Museums and Institutions: The Lake Placid Olympic Center, United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, and United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum receive and display medals, enhancing their educational and research roles.
- U.S. Mint and Treasury Department: Responsible for designing, striking, and selling medals, with administrative duties.
- Broader Public and Sports Community: Fans, hockey players, and USA Hockey benefit indirectly from heightened awareness of the event's transformative role in the sport.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on Congress's constitutional authority (Article I, Section 8) to commemorate achievements via medals, treated as protected national items to prevent counterfeiting. No enforcement mechanisms or penalties, as it's purely honorary.
- Constitutional: Aligns with precedents for non-monetary awards; no First Amendment or due process issues, as it involves public recognition rather than restricting rights.
- Political: Represents bipartisan celebration of American exceptionalism and Cold War triumph, potentially fostering national unity. It underscores Congress's role in cultural preservation but carries no partisan mandates or funding controversies, given self-sustaining costs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (300)
Rep. McClain, Lisa C. [R-MI-9], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Davidson, Warren [R-OH-8], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-11], Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2], Rep. Jack, Brian [R-GA-3], Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20], Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11], Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Knott, Brad [R-NC-13], Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. Messmer, Mark [R-IN-8], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Zinke, Ryan K. [R-MT-1], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6], Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16], Rep. Downing, Troy [R-MT-2], Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1], Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4], Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Womack, Steve [R-AR-3], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3], Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4] and 250 more
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-12: Became Public Law No: 119-53.
- 2025-12-12: Became Public Law No: 119-53.
- 2025-12-12: Signed by President.
- 2025-12-12: Signed by President.
- 2025-12-01: Presented to President.
- 2025-12-01: Presented to President.
- 2025-09-15: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-09-15: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2025-09-15: Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by voice vote.
- 2025-09-15: DEBATE - The House proceeded with 40 minutes of debate on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 452.
- 2025-09-15: Mr. Williams (TX) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment. (consideration: CR H4274)
- 2025-09-09: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-09-08: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6439)
- 2025-09-08: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-09-08: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S6439-6440)
Bill Versions
- Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (8 pages)
- Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-04-28 — PDF (8 pages)
- Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-09-17 — PDF (3 pages)
- Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-01-15 — PDF (8 pages)
- Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-04-29 — PDF (7 pages)