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Congressman Gonzalez Applauds Passage of the American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act

October 2, 2017

WASHINGTON— Last week, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of H.R. 2519, the American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. The bill, introduced by Congressman Tim Walz (MN-01), would require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue commemorative coins in recognition of the 100th anniversary of The American Legion.

Surcharge proceeds raised through the sale of the coins would be provided to the American Legion for costs related to promoting and caring for the nation's veterans and ensuring they receive proper health care and disability benefits earned through military service. Surcharge proceeds could also be used to promote assistance for at-risk children, and activities that promote their healthy and wholesome development.

Congressman Gonzalez strongly supports the American Legion – an organization that has been dedicated to our nation's veterans since 1919. The legislation passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last Monday, September 25, 2017 and the U.S. Senate last Thursday, September 28, 2017. The bill is now headed to the President's desk for signature.

Watch his remarks below:

"I rise today in support of H.R 2519, legislation that calls for the issuance of a commemorative coin in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion, a distinguished organization that works tirelessly in communities across the nation to serve our veterans and those still in the Armed Forces.

Since being chartered by Congress following the first World War, the American Legion has played a pivotal role in the lives of so many service members and their families – always stepping up and lending a hand to those who need it most.

For example, the American Legion provides key services such as health-care and claims assistance for veterans, job fairs, they support targeted to meet the needs of homeless veterans. The American Legion also supports military personnel and their families through the provisional of financial assistance, and comfort items for hospitalized veterans, and also dedicates funds that support the needs of youths at risk.

Over its history, the American Legion has also advocated for and played a leading role in securing the passage of key laws that better the lives of our service members, such as the landmark G.I. Bill, as well as the Veterans Reassurance Act and the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act.

In addition to honoring and raising awareness of the important work of the American Legion, the legislation before us will also help raise small sums that will help it carry out its tremendous work and advance the American values.

Specifically, surcharge proceeds, raised through the sale of the coins provided in this bill, will allow the American Legion to:

Advance the interests of those who have served in uniform, ensuring they received proper health care and disability benefits earned through military service;

Promote the importance of, and caring for, those who are still serving in the Armed Forces;

Promote the patriotic values, morals, culture and citizenship of the United States; and

Provide support for at-risk children, and activities that nurture their development.

This overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation has the support of more than 350 members of the House, and has already received the unanimous support of the United States Senate where the legislation passed by voice vote.

For all of these reasons I urge my colleagues to join me in passing of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time."