ICYMI: Senate Unanimously Passes Bipartisan Bill Led by Shaheen & Rounds to Support National WWII Memorial

Press Release

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) to support the National World War II Memorial. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives.

The Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Proceeds from coin sales will go toward much-needed repairs and maintenance to the Memorial at no cost to taxpayers.

"I'm proud our bipartisan bill passed the Senate unanimously, showing the overwhelming consensus that exists around supporting our veterans," said Senator Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "This legislation will help provide critical infrastructure updates to the World War II Memorial, which commemorates the millions of Americans who served and the 400,000 who died in World War II. Educating generations, both young and old, about the war and our nation's achievements is an important tribute and ensures the Greatest Generation of heroes are never forgotten. I'm eager for this bipartisan momentum to carry our legislation swiftly through the House so President Biden can sign this into law."

"The National World War II Memorial is a special place for our nation's veterans and citizens to remember the tremendous sacrifices made, both at home and overseas, by the Greatest Generation," said Senator Rounds. "Since it opened in 2004, the Memorial's condition has deteriorated. This bipartisan legislation will support the timely restoration of this Memorial so it can be visited by generations to pay tribute to those who bravely fought to defend our country during World War II."

The Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act received wide-bipartisan support and was cosponsored by 89 senators.

Click here for full bill text.

Senator Shaheen has worked across the aisle to honor and pay tribute to American fallen heroes. Shaheen successfully led bipartisan efforts in Congress to establish a memorial for the men lost aboard the USS Thresher at Arlington National Cemetery. Senator Shaheen delivered the keynote address at the dedication for the memorial. Shaheen continuously pushed administration officials to consider the USS Thresher Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Project's submission to establish a monument, including letters and calls to then-Secretary of the Army Mark Esper. Senator Shaheen previously led the bipartisan Senate resolution that commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Thresher tragedy, and has consistently worked to honor the memory of those lost aboard the Thresher. Shaheen was honored by the USS Thresher Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Foundation for her advocacy on behalf of the memorial.

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