Malliotakis Introduces Commemorative Coin Bill to Honor 250th Anniversary of our Country's Founding
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) introduced the 250 Years of Service and Sacrifice Commemorative Coin Act to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Specifically, the legislation directs the U.S. Mint to create a commemorative coin celebrating the enduring legacy of those who have protected and advanced the ideals of the Declaration of Independence from its signing to present day. Proceeds from the coin, which could surpass $1 million in private funds from collectors, will directly support The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which will use the funds to provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and the families of fallen first responders, scholarships for their children, resources for disaster response teams and memorial projects honoring their service and sacrifice. The Siller Foundation is named after Staten Island Firefighter Stephen Siller who lost his life on September 11, 2001, while rescuing people from the World Trade Center.
"It is a long-standing tradition to honor significant milestones in American history through the minting of commemorative coins, and our country's 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by our military, first responders, veterans and their families," Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis said. "This coin ensures we remember not just the founders of our nation, but the individuals and families - like the Siller Foundation - who have carried their ideals forward. Military families and first responders are the backbone of our nation’s resilience, often sacrificing quietly in service to the greater good, and the proceeds from this coin will give them the recognition they deserve while also funding programs that directly support them."
“We are deeply honored by Congresswoman Malliotakis’ leadership in introducing this important legislation, which not only commemorates the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence but also supports the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms," said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. "The Tunnel to Towers Foundation remains committed to honoring the legacy of our military and first responders by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families, fallen first responder families, and catastrophically injured veterans. Additionally, we are dedicated to serving our nation’s homeless veterans, ensuring they have access to safe housing and the vital services they need to rebuild their lives with dignity. This commemorative coin will serve as a lasting tribute to their courage and sacrifice, ensuring that their heroism is never forgotten. We are grateful for this recognition and look forward to working together to make a meaningful impact for those who serve our country.”
“Next summer, Americans across the country will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. This will be a monumental moment bringing together neighbors and communities to commemorate an important milestone in our country's storied history. During the celebrations, we will reflect upon the brave individuals who have shepherded the United States to this milestone, and we would be remiss not to pay special tribute to our men and women in uniform, first responders, veterans, and their families who have sacrificed so much," Rep. French Hill, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee said. “I am proud to support this important legislation, which will memorialize and honor these heroes and, through proceeds from the commemorative coins, provide meaningful assistance to Gold Star families and the families of fallen first responders.”
The coin, which will be designed by the U.S. Mint and selected by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and Siller Foundation, will feature designs that are emblematic of the semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States, including an inscriptions of the years 1776 and 2026, the words Liberty, In God We Trust, United States of America, and E Pluribus Unum, and unique imagery that honor military families and first responders. Once authorized, the coin will take 56-60 weeks to produce, not including time required for design approvals, fundraising, compliance and striking.
Last week, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing a White House Task Force to plan a "grand celebration" in honor of the United States' semiquincentennial anniversary on July 4, 2026, and take other actions to honor the great history of our nation, including adding historically significant Americans to the National Garden of American Heroes and protecting American monuments from vandalism.
BILL TEXT CAN BE VIEWED HERE