The late Martin Luther King Jr.'s courage, eloquence and steadfast commitment to justice is a major reason why our nation has made big strides toward the goal of equality and Civil Rights for all our citizens.

Dr. King's "I Have a Dream," speech delivered from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1963, is one of the classic expressions for freedom in American history. Just a year later, in 1964, Dr. King was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his work for equal justice for all Americans. And before his tragic death at the hands of a cruel assassin in April 1968, he had done almost as much as any American in the 20th Century for the cause of justice.

It is only fitting that we create U.S. coins to honor Dr. King's memory, and I am an enthusiastic cosponsor of legislation to do that sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, R.-Iowa. The bill would require the U.S. Mint to issue $5, $1 and 50-cent coins bearing Dr. King's image and honoring his legacy. These coins would be legal spending money; but, of course, are designed to be kept as collectibles. They would be issued on Aug. 28, 2003, the 40th Anniversary of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech.

There could hardly be a better way to honor Dr. King?s memory, and I strongly support this bill.