Senator Angus King has been a strong advocate for creating coins to honor George and Barbara Bush, a wonderful idea.
You probably haven’t heard this because Angus works hard to get bipartisan support, behind the scenes, without fanfare. Senator Susan Collins was a cosponsor of the bill.
The coins should be minted and distributed this year. It is such a great way to commemorate both former President Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush. The coins mean a great deal to our Veterans as well, since George Bush was a war veteran.
You must know that the Bushes loved Maine and spent a lot of time at their beautiful house on the ocean in Kennebunkport. I still remember the first time I saw their home, while standing on the Kennebunkport Beach. It was stunning. And I know that one reason I liked George was because he loved to fish and play golf in Maine. Me too!
And the Bushes were very generous to many Maine projects, including the Barbara Bush section at Portland’s hospital. I remember a photo of Barbara at the hospital reading a book to a child.
Angus was instrumental in recruiting cosponsors, which was essential to reaching the 67 sponsors and cosponsors necessary for the Banking Committee to report the bill to the floor of the Senate. The bill was originally sponsored by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) and it’s been a nice bi-partisan effort.
Thanks Angus!