Commems Collection Classic: 1936 Lynchburg, VA Charter Sesquicentennial - Congress

A bit of "humor in Congress" as we welcome the start of the 119th Congress:

In May 1936, the Senate-approved bill proposing commemorative 50-cent pieces to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Lynchburg, Virginia Charter was brought up for consideration in the House of Representatives. The bill was never in serious risk of not being viewed favorably by the House, but Robert Fleming Rich (R-PA) used the opportunity to take a jab at his Democrat colleagues and their economic policies agenda.

Clifton Alexander Woodrum (D-VA) and Robert Rich are the players in a quick exchange:

"Mr. WOODRUM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the immediate consideration of the bill (S. 4448) to authorize the coinage of 50-cent pieces in commemoration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the issuance of the charter of the city of Lynchburg, Va.

"Mr. RICH. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I may say to my friend from Virginia that what Congress appropriates is one thing and where you are going to get the money is another. Now, we are going to make money by coining these 50-cent pieces in commemoration of another anniversary. This is, perhaps, the thirtieth bill of this kind to come in here this session of Congress. It is surely the beginning of Democratic inflation, and I warn the Members of the House to beware."

Rich's comments were met with laughter and applause. Biting criticism with a smile!

There being no objection to consideration of the bill, it was read, considered, passed and sent back to the Senate. The Senate presented the bill to US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt who signed it into law on May 28, 1936.

1936 Lynchburg, VA Charter Sesquicentennial Half Dollar



For more of my topics on commemorative coins and medals, including other Lynchburg, VA half dollar stories, see: Commems Collection.