Washington (July 17, 2017) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Reps. Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) and Joseph P. Kennedy III (MA-04) today introduced legislation calling on the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a President John F. Kennedy commemorative coin. The lawmakers, members of the John F. Kennedy Centennial Commission, introduced the legislation as part of this year’s President Kennedy Centennial celebration. The silver $1.00 coin would honor President Kennedy’s legacy of courage, service, innovation, and will be a reminder to future generations of the importance of service to one’s country. Partial proceeds from the sale of the coins will be devoted to the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation to support the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.

“I was inspired to enter public service because of President Kennedy, and now, more than ever, I hear and heed his message of aspiration and inspiration with a heart and mind renewed,” said Senator Markey. “I am honored to serve on the John F. Kennedy Centennial Commission and to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to honor President Kennedy’s legacy of public service with this commemorative coin.”

“President John F. Kennedy’s commitment to public service and iconic leadership have left an indelible mark on our nation that continues to inspire future generations of Americans,” said Senator McCain. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to honor President Kennedy’s legacy of service on the centennial of his birth.”

“I am honored to be introducing this legislation with my colleagues to mint a silver dollar coin in honor of President John F. Kennedy,” said House Majority Leader McCarthy. “Whether it was asking what we can do for our country or challenging NASA and our nation to reach the moon, President Kennedy’s legacy is etched in history, and this coin appropriately recognizes his many accomplishments and service to our country.”

“In the American people he served, President Kennedy discovered a fearless optimism and extraordinary empathy,” said Congressman Kennedy.“Despite divisions and differences, he believed every citizen shared an unbreakable, common bond to push an imperfect country towards justice and progress. With this commemorative coin, we will not only be honoring President Kennedy’s legacy, we will be recommitting to his vision for this nation and her people.” 

“My family and I are grateful for the efforts of Senator Markey, Senator McCain, Majority Leader McCarthy, Congressman Kennedy, and the members of the John F. Kennedy Centennial Commission for their leadership in introducing legislation to mint a coin in honor of my father,” said Ambassador Caroline Kennedy. “As President Kennedy becomes a part of history, we hope that the coin may be an enduring symbol of his call for service and the idea that each of us can make a difference.”

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.