Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Donald Trump will sign into law the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, authored by Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08). The bipartisan legislation honors the 1980 United States Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team for their historic victory over the Soviet Union in the Winter Olympics. The signing ceremony will take place at the White House this afternoon, 3 PM EST, and will be attended by Rep. Stauber and several members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress, recognizing individuals or groups with profound, enduring impact on American history and culture. Stauber’s bill authorizes three medals: one for the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota (in MN-08); one for the Lake Placid Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York; and one for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In order for a Congressional Gold Medal bill to move through Congress, the legislation must receive 290 cosponsors in the House and 67 in the Senate, of which the bill received 299 and 75 cosponsors, respectively. Congressman Stauber’s advocacy for the bill was built on personal ties to hockey and the Iron Range’s deep roots in the sport, rallying huge bipartisan support.
“As a hockey guy, it was a tremendous honor to author this bill, and I thank President Trump for recognizing this extraordinary team,” said Congressman Stauber. “The Miracle on Ice is the greatest sports victory in U.S. history. It continues to inspire our nation as it embodies the fighting spirit that helped win the Cold War. Coach Herb Brooks and his team deserve this honor, and I thank all who supported it.”
“Minnesota played a pivotal role in this victory, and it’s extra special that one medal will reside in our district,” Stauber added. “Once minted, I hope Midwest visitors flock to Eveleth to see it and that all Americans celebrate this triumph.”
STATEMENTS FROM PLAYERS ATTENDING THE SIGNING CEREMONY:
“Witnessing the signing of this bill at the White House is one of the greatest honors of my life. Our team’s legacy continues to inspire, and this recognition is a powerful reminder of what belief and unity can accomplish. It’s an honor to be here for this historic moment, and I’m grateful to Congressman Stauber for his leadership in making this recognition a reality. Our team never imagined anything like this, and we truly appreciate his dedication and support.” – Mike Eruzione, team captain
“This moment at the White House is deeply meaningful. Our team has carried the Miracle story with pride for 45 years, and seeing it honored at the highest level of our nation is incredibly special. I sincerely thank Congressman Stauber for championing this effort and honoring our team. His commitment to recognizing our story is something we truly appreciate.” – Jim Craig
“Being here at the White House for this signing is very meaningful to me. I’m grateful to be part of a team that continues to be remembered in this way. It’s meaningful to be in Washington for this moment, and I sincerely appreciate Congressman Stauber’s work in helping make this recognition possible. Our team is truly grateful.” – Phil Verchota
“Being at the White House for this historic moment is an incredible honor. Our team’s story has meant so much to so many, and to see it recognized in this way is truly humbling.” – Bill Baker
“It’s an unbelievable privilege to be in Washington to witness this bill being signed. What we accomplished in 1980 has lived on far beyond the rink, and this recognition means more than words can express.” – Neal Broten
“To stand alongside my teammates at the White House for the signing of the Congressional Gold Medal bill is an honor I’ll never forget. It’s a testament to the spirit of teamwork and belief that defined our journey. It’s a privilege to witness this moment, and I want to thank Congressman Stauber for all he did to help make it possible. Our team is grateful for his support and for the honor being given today.” – Dave Christian
“It’s a privilege to join my teammates in Washington to witness this historic moment. I’m grateful to be part of a team whose impact continues to resonate with people across the country.” – Steve Janaszak
“Being present at the White House for the Congressional Gold Medal signing is an extraordinary honor. Our team shared something truly unique in 1980, and this recognition brings that feeling back in a profound way.” – Rob McClanahan
“It’s incredibly humbling to be at the White House for such an important milestone. The Congressional Gold Medal is an honor that reflects not just a moment in sports, but a moment in American history.” – Ken Morrow
“To witness this bill being signed into law is truly special. Our team’s story continues to remind people of what’s possible when you believe in one another, and this recognition means the world.” – Jack O’Callahan
“I’m honored to be in Washington for the signing of this historic bill. The Miracle has touched generations, and this recognition is something our team will treasure forever.” – Mike Ramsey
“It’s a wonderful honor to be at the White House to witness this bill becoming law. Our team’s journey was unforgettable, and moments like this remind us of its lasting impact. I’m thankful to be part of this special day, and I want to express my appreciation to Congressman Stauber for helping bring this honor forward. It means a great deal to all of us who lived that experience together.” – Buzz Schneider
“Being part of this ceremony at the White House is incredibly meaningful. The recognition of our team’s place in history is something I’m proud to share with my teammates and with the country.” – Dave Silk
STATEMENTS FROM REPRESENTATIVES IN ATTENDANCE FOR DECEASED TEAM MEMBERS:
“It is an honor to stand on my father’s behalf at the White House. The Miracle team meant everything to him, and I know he would be deeply moved to see this recognition bestowed upon the teammates he cherished.” – Tarja Lewis, daughter of Mark Pavelich
“Representing my dad at the White House is incredibly special. He was so proud to be part of the 1980 team, and this moment reflects the legacy he carried with him throughout his life.” – Ryan Suter, son of Bob Suter
“It’s a privilege to honor Mark by being here today. The Miracle team was one of the greatest joys of his life, and this recognition is a powerful tribute to his memory and to the entire team.” – John Wells, brother of Mark Wells
“Being here on my father’s behalf is a profound honor. The Miracle team represented everything he believed in—hard work, belief, and the power of a unified team. This recognition is a beautiful acknowledgment of that legacy.” – Dan Brooks, son of Head Coach Herb Brooks
STATEMENTS FROM PLAYERS & STAFF WHO ARE NOT ATTENDING:
“Although I’m unable to be in Washington, I am deeply honored by this recognition. The Miracle team holds a special place in my heart, and the Congressional Gold Medal is a meaningful tribute to what we accomplished together.” – Steve Christoff
“I’m disappointed to miss the ceremony but I’m tremendously honored by the Congressional Gold Medal recognition. Our 1980 team shared something unforgettable, and this moment reflects the bond and belief that carried us all those years ago.” – John Harrington
“While I cannot attend the event, I am truly humbled by this extraordinary honor. The Miracle continues to inspire across generations, and being recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal is something I will forever cherish.” – Mark Johnson
“I’m honored by the Congressional Gold Medal recognition even though I won’t be at the signing ceremony. What our team achieved has lived far beyond 1980, and this honor is a wonderful acknowledgment of that legacy.” – Eric Strobel
“It is a great honor for our team to receive this recognition. Though I am unable to be in Washington, I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together and grateful that the Miracle continues to be celebrated in such a meaningful way.” – Craig Patrick, assistant coach
Background:
On February 22, 1980, the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union in Lake Placid, New York. This game is now known as the “Miracle on Ice.” The United States team was comprised of amateur college athletes, while the Soviet team featured some of the best players ever to play the game. Prior to this game, the Soviet Union had not lost an Olympic game since 1968. Eight years after this game, Congressman Stauber and the Lake Superior State University Division 1 hockey team won the National Championship at the same rink in Lake Placid, New York. For more information on the U.S Hockey Hall of Fame, visit https://www.ushockeyhall.com.
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