Honor the 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice' US Olympic team with Congressional Gold Medals

The Hill

3 days ago

In 1980, the world was fraught with political division, economic shifts and global conflict. The Cold War loomed large, American hostages were being held in Iran, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan had stoked international anxiety, and the U.S. was in the midst of a painful recession at home.
Yet at this time of uncertainty, a single hockey game brought us together as Americans.
On Feb. 22, 1980, a team of young athletes, mostly college students, took the ice in Lake Placid and achieved the impossible against the seemingly unbeatable Soviet Union National Team.
The Soviets were four-time defending Olympic gold medalists, stacked with seasoned professionals. Team USA, both the youngest-ever U.S. national team and the youngest in the tournament, stunned the world with a 4-3 victory in what became known as the 'Miracle on Ice.'
Two days later, the team secured the gold medal with a third period comeback win against Finland. Their improbable run gave Americans a renewed sense of pride and unity during a time of deep division and uncertainty.
To commemorate the 45th anniversary of this iconic moment, we introduced the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Hockey Team.
It is only fitting that we honor this team's achievement. It had a lasting impact on American history and the game of hockey in the United States. Once enacted, three medals will be displayed at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minn., and the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York, commemorating this greatest sports moment of the 20th century.
As National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman once said, 'The most special moments in sports actually transcend the playing surface.' In 1980, the Miracle on Ice was one such moment. For one night, there were no partisan divides or regional differences — only a shared celebration of what Americans can achieve together. That night, the Lake Placid Olympic hockey games transcended the sheet of ice where the 20 amateur hockey players battled for victory.
The House of Representatives has already passed this bipartisan legislation unanimously, with the support of nearly 300 co-sponsors. We now ask our colleagues in the Senate to join us in honoring this historic team and the spirit of unity that the 1980 U.S. Men's Hockey Team inspired at the Olympics in Lake Placid. We urge swift bipartisan passage of the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act.