H.R.2834 - Selena Commemorative Coin Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2834, the Selena Commemorative Coin Act, directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint commemorative coins in honor of Selena Quintanilla. The bill specifies the denominations, weights, and compositions of the coins, including $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins. Surcharges from the sale of these coins will be directed to the Friends of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History for museum operations and a Selena exhibit.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill will result in the creation and sale of commemorative coins, generating revenue through surcharges. These funds will support the Friends of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. The coins will also serve as a lasting tribute to Selena Quintanilla's cultural impact.
Potential Benefits
- Recognition of Cultural Icon: Honors Selena Quintanilla's contributions to music and culture.
- Funding for Museum: Provides financial support to the Friends of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.
- Educational Opportunities: Supports a Selena exhibit, potentially educating the public about her life and legacy.
- Numismatic Interest: Creates collectible coins that may appreciate in value.
- Promotion of Tejano Music: Highlights the importance of Tejano music and its cultural significance.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Scope: The benefits are primarily localized to the Corpus Christi Museum and Selena fans.
- Potential for Waste: There is a risk of inefficient use of funds by the designated recipient, although audits are mandated.
- Missed Opportunity: The funds could potentially be used for broader cultural or artistic initiatives.
- Minimal Economic Impact: The economic impact beyond the numismatic market and museum funding is likely to be small.
- Government Resources: Requires the use of government resources for minting and distributing the coins.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the spirit of promoting the general welfare through support for cultural institutions, which can be interpreted under the broad powers granted to Congress. The act of minting coins is explicitly within the powers of Congress, as detailed in Article I, Section 8, Clause 5 of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to coin money and regulate the value thereof. The surcharges and their allocation do not appear to violate any specific constitutional provisions.
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).