Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act Passes the Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that the bipartisan Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, which they cosponsor, has passed the Senate.

The legislation will award three Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team to recognize the 45th anniversary of their extraordinary victory at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, where they defeated the Soviet Union.

In April, the House of Representatives passed this legislation, which was led by Representative Peter Stauber (R-MN) and co-sponsored by the entire Minnesota Congressional Delegation. The amended bill now returns to the House for another vote before heading to the president's desk.

"The 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team made all Americans believe in miracles,"said Senator Klobuchar. "It's time for Congress to recognize this legendary team, which included 12 players and head coach Herb Brooks from Minnesota, for their Miracle on Ice and award them the Congressional Gold Medal."

"The 'Miracle on Ice' hockey game was an upset that nobody saw coming - but one that showcases the strength and resilience of Americans in the face of adversity," said Senator Smith. "More than half of the team was from Minnesota, so I am proud this legislation to honor their achievement passed the Senate."

In February 1980, the United States Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union 4-3 in the first game of the medal round of the 1980 Winter Olympic men's hockey tournament in Lake Placid, New York. Team USA, which included 12 hockey players born in Minnesota and was coached by University of Minnesota championship-winning hockey coach Herb Brooks, defied expectations by defeating the four-time Olympic champion Soviet Union team in a game referred to as the "Miracle on Ice." At a time when the United States was struggling with rampant stagflation, high gas prices, hostages held in Iran, and increased tensions with the Soviets after their invasion of Afghanistan, the Miracle on Ice was a welcome reprieve and a critical moment for American patriotism. Following the stunning victory against the Soviets, the Americans beat Finland 4-2 to secure the gold.

The three medals will be displayed at the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado, and the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York.

Click herefor the full text of the bill.

###

Permalink: https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/9/miracle-on-ice-congressional-gold-medal-act-passes-the-senate