United States Foreign Service Commemorative Coin Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6126
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Finance and Financial Sector
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-19: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-12T13:42:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill, titled the "United States Foreign Service Commemorative Coin Act," aims to honor the history and contributions of the U.S. Foreign Service to American diplomacy by directing the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue special commemorative coins. It recognizes the Foreign Service's role since 1775 in advancing U.S. foreign policy, protecting citizens abroad, and supporting international relations.
Key Provisions
- Historical Findings: The bill includes a detailed preamble outlining the Foreign Service's evolution, from its origins during the American Revolution (involving figures like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin) to key reforms like the Rogers Act of 1924, which unified diplomatic and consular services. It highlights the service's professional structure, sacrifices (over 320 members honored on memorial plaques), and support from other agencies like the U.S. Marine Corps and the CIA. It also notes the 100th anniversary of the Foreign Service in 2024 and the role of the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training in preserving diplomatic history through oral histories and other resources.
- Coin 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, standard composition under existing law).
- All coins are legal tender and classified as numismatic items (collectible coins sold at a premium, not for everyday circulation).
- Design Requirements: Designs must symbolize the importance of diplomacy and the Foreign Service's creation and achievements. Each coin includes its value, the year "2029," and standard inscriptions: "Liberty," "In God We Trust," "United States of America," and "E Pluribus Unum." Designs are selected by the Secretary after consulting the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training and the Commission of Fine Arts, with review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
- Issuance and Sales:
- Coins can be produced in uncirculated (standard finish) or proof (high-quality, polished) versions.
- Issued only during a one-year period starting January 1, 2029.
- Sold at face value plus a surcharge (see below) plus production costs (e.g., labor, materials, marketing). Bulk sales and prepaid orders are allowed at reasonable discounts.
- Surcharges and Distribution:
- $35 per $5 coin, $10 per $1 coin, and $5 per half-dollar coin.
- Surcharges go to the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training to fund preservation of diplomatic history (e.g., oral histories, books, social media).
- The Association must undergo audits, and surcharges are not distributed until all coin production costs are recovered.
- Surcharges are waived if minting would exceed the annual limit of two commemorative coin programs under existing law.
- Financial Assurances: The Treasury must ensure no net cost to the government; all expenses are covered by sales before any surcharges are disbursed.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill does not overhaul existing laws but authorizes a new commemorative coin program under Title 31 of the U.S. Code (governing currency). It builds on precedents for similar coins (e.g., for historical events) by specifying designs, minting limits, and surcharge uses, while adhering to rules like the two-program annual cap and no-net-cost requirements. No broad changes to Foreign Service operations or Treasury functions are introduced.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint (under the Treasury) will handle design, production, and sales, incurring temporary costs offset by revenues. The Department of State and Foreign Service gain symbolic recognition, potentially boosting morale. No direct funding or operational changes occur.
- Citizens: Provides an opportunity for the public, especially collectors and history enthusiasts, to purchase limited-edition coins as keepsakes. Surcharges indirectly support educational efforts on U.S. diplomacy, benefiting those interested in history without taxpayer expense.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact; the coins serve as a domestic tribute to diplomacy, which could subtly enhance the Foreign Service's prestige abroad but have no enforceable effects on foreign policy or treaties.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Department of the Treasury and U.S. Mint: Responsible for minting, sales, and financial compliance.
- U.S. Foreign Service and Department of State: Honored through the commemoration, with historical contributions highlighted.
- Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training: Primary beneficiary of surcharges for preserving diplomatic records; a nonprofit reliant on donations.
- Bipartisan Congressional Supporters: Introduced by Representatives Bera, Salazar, Lieu, Moylan, Norton, Van Drew, Johnson, and Turner, indicating cross-party interest.
- Numismatic Collectors and the Public: Potential buyers of the coins.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution to coin money and regulate its value. Incorporates existing safeguards (e.g., audits, program limits) to prevent abuse of commemorative coin programs, which have faced criticism for proliferation. The 2029 issuance date allows time for planning but ties into the Foreign Service's ongoing legacy rather than a specific anniversary.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it exercises standard legislative power over currency without infringing on free speech, privacy, or other rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for recognizing public servants in diplomacy, potentially fostering goodwill amid debates on foreign policy. As a low-cost, symbolic measure, it avoids controversy but underscores the Foreign Service's underappreciated role, especially post-2024 centennial celebrations. If enacted, it could set a precedent for future agency-specific commemoratives.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (34)
Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Kiley, Kevin [I-CA-3], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-19: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-11-19: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- United States Foreign Service Commemorative Coin Act — issued 2025-11-19 — PDF (11 pages)