National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]
- Committees
- Financial Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 21, 2025
Bottom line
This bill authorizes the minting of commemorative coins to honor fallen firefighters and raise funds for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation through surcharges on coin sales, ensuring no net cost to taxpayers.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative coins in 2026, including $5 gold, $1 silver, and half-dollar clad coins. These coins are designed to honor the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and the service and sacrifice of firefighters throughout U.S. history. Surcharges collected from the sale of these coins will be directed to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support its mission and programs, with a strict requirement that the coin program incurs no net cost to the United States Government.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides a fitting and tangible tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters across the nation, honoring their service through a collectible item. They also highlight its benefit to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, enabling it to continue its vital work supporting fallen firefighters' families and promoting firefighter safety, all without burdening federal taxpayers.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the sentiment is laudable, commemorative coin programs, especially those with surcharges, can be seen as a form of indirect fundraising that bypasses direct appropriations, potentially setting a precedent for other causes. Some might also question the efficiency of raising funds through coin sales compared to direct donations or other fundraising methods.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick read and easy comprehension by an informed reader.
Section 102(a)
Authorization of Commemorative Coin Denominations and Specifications
This section specifies the types and quantities of coins to be minted: up to 50,000 $5 gold coins (90% gold), up to 400,000 $1 silver coins (90% silver), and up to 750,000 half-dollar clad coins. It details their weight and diameter, ensuring they meet established numismatic standards for commemorative coinage. The coins will be legal tender and considered numismatic items.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that offering a range of denominations and metal types makes the commemorative program accessible to a wider array of collectors and individuals, maximizing fundraising potential and public engagement.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the technical specifications of commemorative coins, as they adhere to established minting practices.
Tradeoffs
Balancing the desire for high-value collector items (gold) with more accessible options (silver, clad) to maximize both revenue and public participation.
Section 103
Design Criteria and Selection Process for Commemorative Coins
This section mandates that the coin designs must be emblematic of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and the service of firefighters throughout U.S. history. It also requires standard inscriptions such as 'Liberty,' 'In God We Trust,' 'United States of America,' 'E Pluribus Unum,' and the year '2026.' The Secretary of the Treasury will select the designs after consulting with the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, with review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
Section 106
Surcharges for Fundraising and Distribution to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
This provision establishes surcharges on each coin sold: $35 for the $5 gold coin, $10 for the $1 silver coin, and $5 for the half-dollar coin. These surcharges, after the U.S. Treasury recovers all costs of designing and issuing the coins, are to be paid promptly to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support its mission and programs. The Foundation will be subject to audit requirements regarding the amounts received.
Section 107
Guarantee of No Net Cost to the United States Government
This section explicitly requires the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure that the minting and issuance of these coins will not result in any net cost to the United States Government. It further specifies that no funds, including surcharges, will be disbursed to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation until the total cost of designing and issuing all authorized coins (including labor, materials, dies, machinery use, overhead, marketing, and shipping) is fully recovered by the U.S. Treasury.
This subsection states that no surcharge may be included with respect to the issuance of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the time of such issuance, it would cause the number of commemorative coin programs issued during that year to exceed the annual two-program limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United States Code.
Section 106(d)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure compliance with existing federal law governing commemorative coin programs, rather than an attempt to hide information. It prevents an oversaturation of the commemorative coin market.
Case for: Supporters argue this ensures the program adheres to established federal guidelines for commemorative coinage, preventing an oversaturation of the market and maintaining the special nature of such issues.
Case against: Critics might argue that such limitations can restrict the ability to honor deserving causes through commemorative coins if other programs have already been authorized for the year, potentially delaying or preventing a tribute.
Estimated impact: Could potentially delay or prevent the issuance of these coins with surcharges if two other programs are already authorized for 2026, thereby impacting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's funding.