U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) on Jan. 11 sponsored bipartisan legislation that would require the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition of Christa McAuliffe, the teacher and astronaut who died during the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger explosion.
The Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act of 2019, H.R. 500, also would recognize and support the nonprofit FIRST Robotics Competition, a high school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education program in its 30th year.
“Michigan has the most FIRST Robotics teams in the country. Students on these teams learn valuable skills and will grow up to become inventors, teachers, engineers, and community leaders,” Rep. Upton said. “A few might even follow in the footsteps of Christa McAuliffe and become astronauts whose vision extends beyond our world.”
Once the money is recouped by the U.S. Treasury for the cost of minting the commemorative coin, all of the profits would go to FIRST Robotics, according to the congressman, and there would be no cost to American taxpayers.
“By launching students into STEM fields and careers, FIRST Robotics is helping to inspire the next generation of leaders that will conquer new frontiers,” said Rep. Upton. “I’ve always been a proud supporter of STEM and FIRST Robotics and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this legislation done.”
Original cosponsors of H.R. 500 include U.S. Reps. John Katko (R-NY) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI). Reps. Upton and Dingell previously introduced the same-named H.R. 2256 during the 115th Congress.
Rep. Dingell noted that FIRST Robotics students graduate at higher rates and are more apt to seek STEM careers.
“We need to encourage this talent and creativity,” she said. “This coin is a pathway to support these efforts and I am proud to work with Congressman Upton to encourage young people to be at the forefront of innovation and technology.”
H.R. 500 has been referred for consideration to the House Financial Services Committee.