America's Olympic and Paralympic Games Commemorative Coins Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
- Committees
- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 14, 2025
Bottom line
The bill creates a self-financing commemorative coin program to support the 2028 and 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games and their legacy initiatives, without direct federal expenditure.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to mint commemorative coins for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, California, and the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. It specifies denominations, mintage limits, and design requirements for these coins. Crucially, it establishes surcharges on coin sales that will be distributed to the respective organizing committees to support the games and their legacy programs, with a strict provision ensuring no net cost to the federal government.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that commemorative coins offer a unique way for the public to celebrate and financially support the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are privately funded in the U.S. The surcharges generated will directly aid the organizing committees in hosting the games and funding legacy programs, including youth sports and winter sports promotion, while also increasing awareness and inclusivity for people with disabilities. The program's design ensures it is revenue-neutral for the federal government, making it a fiscally responsible method of support.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that while the intent is positive, such programs, despite being self-financing, can be perceived as a form of government endorsement for specific events, potentially diverting public attention or resources from other national priorities. Concerns could also be raised about the effectiveness of coin sales in generating substantial revenue compared to other fundraising methods, or the potential for market saturation with commemorative coins. However, given the explicit 'no net cost to the Federal Government' provision, direct financial opposition is less likely.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 4
2028 Olympic and Paralympic Coin Program
This section directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue four types of commemorative coins for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles: $5 gold coins (up to 100,000), $1 silver coins (up to 500,000), half-dollar clad coins (up to 300,000), and 5-ounce $1 proof silver coins (up to 100,000). It specifies the metallic content, weight, and diameter for each, declares them legal tender, and allows for increased mintage if public demand, based on market research, exceeds initial limits.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this program allows the public to directly participate in commemorating the LA28 Games, generating crucial private funding for the event and its legacy programs, consistent with the U.S. model of privately funded Olympics.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the concept of commemorative coin programs for major national events, especially when structured to be revenue-neutral for the government. Potential concerns might revolve around market saturation or the perceived value of such collectibles.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the public's desire for commemoration with the need for financial self-sufficiency for the Games and adherence to existing commemorative coin program limitations.
Section 5
2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Coin Program
This section mirrors the provisions for the 2028 Games, mandating the minting of four types of commemorative coins for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. The denominations, mintage limits, and specifications are identical to those for the 2028 program: $5 gold (up to 100,000), $1 silver (up to 500,000), half-dollar clad (up to 300,000), and 5-ounce $1 proof silver (up to 100,000). It also includes the flexibility to increase mintage based on market demand.
Section 4(e) and Section 5(e)
Surcharges and Distribution to Organizing Committees
This provision outlines the specific surcharges to be added to the sale price of each coin: $35 for $5 gold, $10 for $1 silver, $5 for half-dollar, and $50 for $1 proof silver. It mandates that these surcharges, after covering the cost of designing and issuing the coins, be paid to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Properties (for 2028) and the Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The funds are earmarked for hosting the games, legacy programs, and the promotion of youth/winter sports. The provision also includes audit requirements and limits the program to the annual two commemorative coin programs issuance limitation.
Section 4(f) and Section 5(f)
Marketing and Financial Assurances
This provision requires the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure that the minting and issuance of these coins result in no net cost to the Federal Government. It explicitly states that no surcharges will be disbursed to the beneficiary organizations until the total cost of designing and issuing all authorized coins (including labor, materials, dies, machinery, overhead, marketing, and shipping) is fully recovered by the U.S. Treasury. The Secretary is also encouraged to develop and execute marketing and educational programs in cooperation with the Olympic and Paralympic organizations.
Grants the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to increase the specified mintage limits for the commemorative coins if independent, market-based research by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee indicates that public demand exceeds the initial limits.
Section 4(a)(4) and Section 5(a)(4)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to provide administrative flexibility in response to market conditions, rather than being evasive. It allows the program to maximize revenue without requiring new legislation.
Case for: Proponents argue this flexibility is essential for maximizing the financial benefit to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. If demand is higher than initially estimated, the program can adapt to generate more surcharges, directly supporting the games and legacy programs.
Case against: Critics might express concern that such flexibility, while practical, could lead to an oversupply of commemorative coins if market research is overly optimistic, potentially devaluing the numismatic items or impacting future commemorative programs.
Estimated impact: Potentially increases the total revenue generated by the program by allowing more coins to be sold if demand exists, thereby increasing the funds distributed to the organizing committees.