Continuing the story of the Capitol Visitor Center coins ... (You can read the beginning of the story here:
-
The Journey - Part I).
In November 1999, still during the First Session of the 106th Congress, James A. Leach (R-IA) introduced a coin bill in the United States ("US") House of Representatives ("House") that combined three coin proposals that were previously introduced as separate, standalone legislation: the Leif Ericson Millennium, Lewis and Clark Expedition and Capitol Visitor Center coin programs. Upon its introduction, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Banking and Financial Services.
(See
The Journey - Part I for a discussion of the standlone Capitol Visitor Center coin bill.)
Representative Leach immediately brought the bill up for consideration and motioned for a suspension of the rules and a passing of the coin bill. No objections were raised, and the bill was passed without debate. It was then sent to the Senate for its consideration, where it was referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
In the Senate, it was brought up for consideration by Susan Margaret Collins (R-ME) who motioned that it be passed by Unanimous Consent.
Senator Daniel Robert Graham (D-FL) noted that the combined bill had the backing of the Senate Banking Committee (he was a member of the Committee) as it "fully meets the standards set forth by the committee and furthermore, each [standalone] bill adheres to the commemorative coin reforms enacted in the 104th Congress."
The bill was quickly passed without amendment. It was examined and signed in each chamber, then presented to the President. US President William "Bill" Clinton signed the bill into law on December 6, 1999 (Public Law 106-126).
It was a "smooth sail" for the Capitol Visitor Center commemorative coin program!
See
2001 Capitol Visitor Center - The Coins for a discussion of the legislation's result.
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more about the Capitol Visitor Center coins, see:
Commems Collection 
Posted Today 12M ago
