H.R.1787 - Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1787, the Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act, directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint commemorative coins in recognition of the life and legacy of Roberto Clemente. The bill specifies the denominations, weights, diameters, and metallic content of the coins, including $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins. It also outlines the design requirements, selection process, and issuance period for the coins.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill will result in the minting and sale of commemorative coins honoring Roberto Clemente. Surcharges from the sale of these coins will be directed to the Roberto Clemente Foundation to support its mission, including educational programs, youth sports, and disaster relief. The bill aims to commemorate Clemente's legacy as a baseball star, humanitarian, and symbol of Latin American pride.
Potential Benefits
- Honors Roberto Clemente's Legacy: Recognizes Clemente's contributions to baseball, humanitarian work, and civil rights.
- Supports the Roberto Clemente Foundation: Provides funding for the foundation's programs through surcharges on coin sales.
- Promotes Cultural Awareness: Highlights the achievements of a prominent Latino figure in American history.
- Potential Numismatic Value: Creates collectible coins that may appreciate in value.
- Educational Opportunity: Raises awareness about Clemente's life and values, especially for younger generations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Cost to Taxpayers: Although the bill aims to be self-funding, there's a risk of net cost to the government if sales are lower than anticipated.
- Limited Impact on Broad Issues: The bill primarily focuses on commemoration and fundraising, with limited direct impact on broader social or economic issues.
- Risk of Surcharge Mismanagement: While audits are required, there's a potential risk of mismanagement of surcharge funds by the Roberto Clemente Foundation.
- Opportunity Cost: The commemorative coin program may take resources away from other potential initiatives.
- Limited Applicability: The benefits are largely focused on honoring Clemente and supporting his foundation, with limited direct benefits to the broader American population.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the general welfare clause, as it aims to support a charitable foundation and honor an individual who contributed positively to society. The power to coin money is explicitly granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, Clause 5. The bill's provisions for surcharges and distribution of funds are subject to existing laws regarding commemorative coins, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
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).