H.R.1546 - Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1546, the Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act, directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in 2026 to commemorate the bicentennial of the Erie Canal. The bill specifies the denominations, weights, and metallic content of the coins, including $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins. It also outlines the design requirements, issuance procedures, and sales prices, including surcharges, with proceeds benefiting the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc.
Expected Effects
This act will result in the creation and sale of commemorative coins, generating revenue through surcharges. These funds will then be directed to the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, supporting the preservation, recreation, and educational programs related to the Erie Canal. The act also serves to highlight the historical significance of the Erie Canal.
Potential Benefits
- Provides funding for the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, supporting preservation and educational efforts.
- Raises awareness of the Erie Canal's historical importance.
- May stimulate numismatic interest and tourism in the Erie Canal region.
- No cost to the government, as the bill ensures all costs are recovered through coin sales.
- Celebrates a significant milestone in American history.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited direct economic impact beyond the numismatic and tourism sectors.
- Surcharges on coins may make them less accessible to the general public.
- Potential for the commemorative coin program to be perceived as a lower priority compared to other pressing national issues.
- The act is narrow in scope, focusing solely on the Erie Canal.
- The benefits are primarily localized to the Erie Canal region.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the constitutional power of Congress to coin money and regulate its value, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 5. The act does not infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Constitution or its amendments. The allocation of surcharges to the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund is within the purview of Congress's spending power.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).