Pappas and Kuster Applaud Passage of Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act in the House

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) applauded the passage of the bipartisan Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act of 2019, which they introduced alongside Congressman Fred Upton (MI-06). The passage of this legislation will mint a Christa McAuliffe silver coin to honor the Granite State teacher who tragically perished in the Space Challenger Disaster, after being selected to become the first civilian teacher in space. Furthermore, all surcharges collected by the Treasury will be donated to FIRST Robotics, a Manchester based non-profit which seeks to engage and inspire young people, through mentor-based programs, to become leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

"Christa McAuliffe was a dedicated high school social studies teacher who understood how history is defined by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. She dared to touch the future as a teacher and an astronaut," said Congressman Pappas on the House floor. "The creation of this commemorative coin is one way we can honor her--and all our educators--for opening doors of opportunity and challenging students to succeed."

"Christa McAuliffe touched the lives of so many in New Hampshire and she continues to inspire students nationwide," said Congresswoman Kuster. "Granite Staters will never forget her intelligence, charm, and kindness towards those around her. This coin will forever be a powerful testament to her enduring legacy, and it will further cement her place in American history for generations to come."

"I could not be more excited about all of the bi-partisan support that led to the passage of this Bill. As part of the FIRST Community, we are inspired to advocate for wider recognition of our nation's STEM heroes and leaders," said Dean Kamen, Founder of FIRST Robotics. "This commemorative coin will honor Christa McAuliffe's legacy not just by celebrating her life and service, but by designating additional funds to a program with a proven track record of inspiring young people to pursue science and technology. I am extremely grateful to everyone who helped pass this legislation and am excited that FIRST students will benefit as a result."

The Senate version of the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act passed the Senate in July of this year after being introduced by Senator Jeanne Shaheen. The bill will now go to the President's desk to be signed into law.

You can watch the video HERE or read the full remarks as written for delivery from Congressman Pappas's speech below:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today on behalf of all New Hampshire residents and Americans in support of the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act.

Christa McAuliffe was a dedicated high school social studies teacher who understood how history is defined by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. She dared to touch the future as a teacher and an astronaut.

Selected from more than 11,000 applicants for NASA's Teacher in Space Program, she inspired the world and furthered our nation's commitment to exploration inside and outside the classroom.

I remember watching the shuttle launch as a kindergarten student on January 28, 1986, feeling the pride that a New Hampshire teacher from just up the road in Concord was making history.

Although Christa McAuliffe and six other souls were tragically lost in the Challenger explosion, her legacy endures.

The creation of this commemorative coin is one way we can honor her--and all our educators--for opening doors of opportunity and challenging students to succeed.

The proceeds from these coins will support FIRST Robotics, a program that is building the next generation of creators, leaders, and dreamers.

I urge my colleagues to pass this bipartisan legislation,

Thank you, and I yield the balance of my time.