Fedorchak applauds House passage of Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act

Washington, D.C. – The Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday evening with a bipartisan vote. The legislation, cosponsored by Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), honors the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team for their historic victory over the Soviet Union with the Congressional Gold Medal.  

“The 1980 U.S. Men's Hockey Team captured the hearts of our nation and the world with their underdog victory at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics. They showed the world what American resilience looks like, and it’s only fitting that we honor them with one of our nation’s highest civilian awards,” Fedorchak said. “I'm especially proud of the role our state played in this incredible story. I was just a kid at the time, but I distinctly remember watching this game and being amazed by the heart of these players and filled with pride by their victory.”  

North Dakotans played a key role in the team’s historic success. Dave Christian, who played collegiate hockey at the University of North Dakota, was among those who helped lead the "Miracle on Ice" team to gold. Christian is one of 30 UND men’s hockey players to compete in the Winter Olympics, half of which have represented the United States. The University of North Dakota has also produced several women’s hockey Olympians, notably Grand Forks natives and gold medalists Monique Lamoureux-Morando & Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson. 

The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors awarded by Congress, reserved for individuals and groups whose achievements have had a lasting impact on American history and culture.  

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