Sens. Cruz, Cardin Introduce Bill to Celebrate U.S.-Israel Relationship, Golda Meir’s Legacy through a U.S. Commemorative Coin
Bill commemorates 75th anniversary of the United States-Israel relationship
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation directing the Treasury Department to mint a commemorative coin in honor of Golda Meir, Israel’s fourth prime minister and the first woman to lead the Jewish State.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel and the singular partnership between our two nations. Prime Minister Meir helped to strengthen US-Israeli relations and chart a path for future women leaders around the world. The Senate version of the Prime Minister Golda Meir Commemorative Coin Act is cosponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).
The House version of this legislation was introduced by Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-2) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.-25).
Sen. Cruz said:
“Golda Meir was a towering figure and left an incredible legacy. She signed Israel’s Declaration of Independence and was its first female prime minister. She did enormous work deepening the U.S.-Israel alliance, which is critical to the national security of both our countries and the safety and security of Americans. I am proud to join Senator Cardin in introducing this legislation to recognize her leadership on Israel’s 75th anniversary.”
Sen. Cardin said:
“No recognition of Israel’s modern founding and rich 75-year history would be complete without particular mention of the outsized role of Prime Minister Golda Meir. I am proud to be leading this legislation with Senator Cruz that will recognize her crucial role in building and strengthening the Jewish state and the enduring U.S.-Israel partnership.”
BACKGROUND
Born in Kyiv, Prime Minister Meir spent some of her childhood and young adulthood in Milwaukee, becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. A teacher and activist, she would be an important figure in the lead-up to Israel’s independence and its early years, serving as ambassador, labor minister and foreign minister, before becoming prime minister in 1969.
The Prime Minister Golda Meir Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins honoring her place in history. Proceeds from the sale of commemorative coins will benefit Kiryat Sanz Laniado Hospital, a not-for-profit health care facility serving the diverse population of the Israeli city of Netanya.
Read the text of the bill here.
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