A new legislative initiative has been set in motion to bestow Congressional Gold Medals upon the 1980 Olympic hockey team, renowned for their remarkable “Miracle on Ice” victory. This bill was reintroduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, making its first appearance back in October of last year but required re-submission for consideration during the 119th Congress.

Representatives Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), and Bill Keating (D-Mass.) have come together to support this initiative in the House. In the Senate, lawmakers Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) have taken the lead in reintroducing the bill.

Pat Kelleher, the executive director of USA Hockey, has urged fans and supporters of the sport to reach out to their congressional representatives to advocate for the successful passage of the bill. Additionally, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has expressed strong support from the league for this significant legislation, highlighting its importance to both hockey fans and the legacy of the sport.

This month commemorates the 45th anniversary of the iconic moment when the underdog American team triumphed over the heavily favored Soviet Union in a stunning upset that ultimately led them to win the gold medal on their home turf in Lake Placid, New York. The efforts to honor this pivotal achievement through Congressional recognition continue to gain momentum.