Frank Lautenberg: “I rise on behalf of Senators DeWine, Levin, Inouye, Coverdell, Abraham, and myself, to introduce legislation that would…”

“I rise on behalf of Senators DeWine, Levin, Inouye, Coverdell, Abraham, and myself, to introduce legislation that would direct the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins commemorating the 150th anniversary of Thomas Alva Edison's birth. The introduction of this legislation today, February 11, is significant because Thomas Edison was born 150 years ago. Mr. President, few Americans have had a greater impact on our Nation, and our world, than Thomas Edison. He produced more than 1,300 inventions, including the incandescent light bulb, the alkaline battery, the phonograph, and motion pictures. In 1928, the Congress saw fit to award to Mr. Edison a Congressional Gold Medal "for development and application of inventions that have revolutionized civilization in the last century." The legislation I am introducing today would once again honor one of the world's greatest inventors by issuing both commemorative and circulating coins with Mr. Edison's likeness. These coins not only would honor the memory of Thomas Edison, they would also raise revenue to support organizations that preserve his legacy.”