A new piece of legislation has been introduced into the House of Representatives to honor essential workers in the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic with a commemorative coin. H.R. 6923 was introduced into the House by Representative by Jack Bergman (R-MI) on May 19, 2020. The legislation’s working title is the thrust behind this new legislation:
To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the health care professionals, first responders, scientists, researchers, all essential workers, and individuals who provided care and services during the coronavirus pandemic.
H.R. 6923
As the United States and other parts of the world continue to deal with the ongoing pandemic, it goes without argument that health care professionals, first responders and other essential workers have in large part been on the front lines. Many of those have contracted the virus in those efforts and the health care professionals and first responders have had a higher-than-average death rate due to COVID-19.
The bill was introduced and on the same day referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. This is a common practice to determine the financial impact of producing the coin. Given the other activities going on in the country, it is not likely there will be any action on 6923 for some time. Typically for a commemorative coin, it takes 1-2 years before it is passed into law – if it happens at all. While the COVID-19 pandemic is still an ongoing situation globally, it is possible it could be fast tracked.
COVID-19 has infected 1.977 million Americans as of June 7, 2020 with over 112,000 fatalities.
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Editors Note: Due to what some will see as the political nature of this post, comments have been disabled.