National Park Service 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act

National Park Service 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act
Great Seal of the United States
Full title To provide for the issuance of coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the National Park Service, and for other purposes.
Introduced in 113th United States Congress
Introduced on February 13, 2013
Sponsored by Rep. Erik Paulsen (R, MN-3)
Number of Co-Sponsors 3
Effects and Codifications
Act(s) affected National Park Service Organic Act of 1916
U.S.C. section(s) affected 31 U.S.C. § 5134, 31 U.S.C. § 5112, 31 U.S.C. § 5103, 31 U.S.C. § 5136
Agencies affected United States Commission of Fine Arts, Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, National Park Service, United States Congress, United States Department of the Navy, United States Department of the Treasury, United States Department of the Interior
Legislative history

The National Park Service 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act (H.R. 627) is a bill that would direct the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the National Park Service (NPS).[1][2] The coins would all have a surcharge attached, the money from which would be given to the National Park Foundation.[2]

The bill passed in the United States House of Representatives during the 113th United States Congress.

Background

National Park Service logo.

The National Park Service (NPS) is an agency of the United States federal government that manages all U.S. national parks, many American national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties with various title designations.[3] It was created on August 25, 1916, by Congress through the National Park Service Organic Act.[4] It was created "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."[5]

It is an agency of the United States Department of the Interior. Most of the direct management of the NPS is delegated by the Secretary of the Interior to the National Park Service Director, who must be confirmed by the Senate.

In 2008, there were 21,989 employees of the NPS who oversaw 413 units, of which 59 are designated national parks.[6] National parks must be established by an act of the United States Congress. The first national park, Yellowstone, was signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872, followed by Mackinac National Park in 1875 (decommissioned in 1895), and then Sequoia and Yosemite in 1890. Criteria for the selection of National Parks include natural beauty, unique geological features, unusual ecosystems, and recreational opportunities (though these criteria are not always considered together). National Monuments, on the other hand, are frequently chosen for their historical or archaeological significance.

Provisions of the bill

This summary is based largely on the summary provided by the Congressional Research Service, a public domain source.[1]

The National Park Service 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act would direct the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the National Park Service (NPS).[1]

The bill would authorize the issuance of coins under this Act only for a one-year period, beginning on January 1, 2016.[1]

The bill would require all sales of coins minted under this Act to include a surcharge of $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin, and $5 per half-dollar clad coin.[1]

The bill would also require all of the surcharges received from the sale of such coins to be paid to the National Park Foundation for projects and programs to help preserve and protect resources under the stewardship of the NPS and to promote public enjoyment and appreciation of those resources.[1]

The bill would prohibit the surcharges paid to the Foundation from being used for land acquisition.[1]

Procedural history

The National Park Service 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act was introduced into the United States House of Representatives on February 13, 2013 by Rep. Erik Paulsen (R, MN-3).[7] The bill was referred to the United States House Committee on Financial Services. On April 29, 2014, the House voted in Roll Call Vote 183 in a vote of 403-13.[7][2]

Similar legislation (S. 1158) was introduced into the United States Senate.[2]

Debate and discussion

Rep. Paulsen, who introduced the bill, argued that "even during tough economic times, it's important to find new, cost-effective ways to preserve these treasures for future generations to learn from and enjoy."[8] Paulsen called the National Parks "some of our most treasured natural resources."[8]

President and CEO of the National Park Foundation Neil Mulholland said that "the commemorative coins would be a special ways for individuals to mark this significant milestone while simultaneously providing incredible support to these cherished places."[8]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "H.R. 627 - Summary". United States Congress. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Pekow, Charles (30 April 2014). "House approves commemorative coins for National Park Service centennial". The Examiner.
  3. ↑ "Designation of National Park System Units". National Park Service. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
  4. ↑ "The National Park Service Organic Act". National Park Service. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
  5. ↑ "The National Park Service Organic Act". National Park Service. 26 February 2008. Retrieved 25 January 2010.
  6. ↑ Budget Justifications and Performance Information, Fiscal Year 2008, National Park Service
  7. 1 2 "H.R. 627 - All Actions". United States Congress. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  8. 1 2 3 "Paulsen Introduces Legislation to Celebrate 100th Anniversary of National Park Service". House Office of Erik Paulsen. 13 February 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
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