President Jimmy Carter Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill Number: H.R. 1369
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Government Operations and Politics
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-02-14: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Last Updated: 2026-07-01T08:09:04Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation, titled the "President Jimmy Carter Congressional Gold Medal Act," aims to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to former President Jimmy Carter in recognition of his extensive service to the United States, including his presidency, military career, political roles, humanitarian efforts, and global peace initiatives.

Key Provisions

Findings Section: Outlines Carter's biography and achievements, such as:
Serving as the 39th U.S. President (1977–1981).
His naval service, marriage to Rosalynn Carter, and roles in Georgia state politics as a senator and governor, where he focused on efficiency and ending racial discrimination.
Foreign policy successes like the Panama Canal treaties, Camp David Accords, Egypt-Israel peace treaty, SALT II arms control with the Soviet Union, and establishing U.S.-China diplomatic relations.
Domestic accomplishments including the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (major environmental protection law), the first national energy policy, and creating the Departments of Education and Energy.
Post-presidency work through the Carter Center (founded with Rosalynn Carter) for conflict resolution, election monitoring, and disease eradication (e.g., reducing Guinea worm cases from 3.5 million in 1986 to 14 in 2023).
Habitat for Humanity partnerships building over 4,400 homes in 14 countries.
Winning the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for advancing peace, democracy, human rights, and development.
Exemplifying voluntarism in Georgia, the U.S., and worldwide.
Medal Presentation: Authorizes the Speaker of the House and Senate President pro tempore to arrange a posthumous presentation of a single gold medal to Carter on behalf of Congress.
Design and Production: The Secretary of the Treasury designs and strikes the gold medal with emblems, devices, inscriptions, and Carter's image and name.
Disposition: The medal is given to the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, after presentation.
Duplicates: Allows bronze duplicates to be struck and sold by the Treasury at cost to cover production expenses (labor, materials, etc.).
Legal Status: Treats the medals as national medals under U.S. law (chapter 51 of title 31, U.S. Code) and numismatic items (under sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31), enabling their production and sale.
Funding: Uses the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund for costs; proceeds from bronze duplicate sales go back into the fund.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces no direct amendments to prior laws but establishes a new authorization for minting and presenting a specific Congressional Gold Medal. It builds on existing statutes governing national medals and numismatic items, streamlining production through the U.S. Mint without altering broader legal frameworks.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The U.S. Treasury and Mint handle design, striking, and sales, with costs drawn from the Mint's existing fund—likely minimal financial burden as sales of duplicates offset expenses. Congress coordinates the presentation ceremony.
Citizens: Provides symbolic national recognition of Carter's legacy, potentially inspiring public engagement in voluntarism, humanitarian work, and civic service. Bronze duplicates could be purchased by individuals or collectors as educational or commemorative items.
International Relations: No direct impact, though it highlights Carter's global contributions (e.g., peace accords, disease eradication), reinforcing U.S. values of human rights and diplomacy abroad.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Carter Family and Estate: Receives posthumous honor, preserving legacy for heirs.
Carter Center: Custodian of the gold medal, enhancing its role in humanitarian and educational efforts.
Congress and Bipartisan Supporters: Representatives from Georgia and other states (e.g., Mr. Bishop, Mr. Austin Scott) who introduced the bill, reflecting cross-party appreciation.
U.S. Mint and Treasury: Responsible for execution, with opportunities for revenue from duplicate sales.
Public and Philanthropic Community: Benefits from heightened awareness of voluntarism, potentially boosting support for organizations like Habitat for Humanity.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Aligns with Congress's constitutional power (Article I, Section 8) to award medals as a form of recognition, similar to past honors for figures like Rosa Parks or Neil Armstrong. Ensures compliance with minting laws by classifying medals as national and numismatic items.
Constitutional: No challenges; it's a non-binding honor without coercive elements, upholding free expression of congressional gratitude.
Political: Demonstrates bipartisan unity (introduced by Democrats and Republicans) in honoring a former president's post-office humanitarianism, potentially fostering national unity amid divisions. The posthumous aspect (noting Carter's living status at bill introduction) underscores enduring legacy, though it may prompt ceremonial timing considerations if enacted later.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2]

Cosponsors (23)

Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Jack, Brian [R-GA-3], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2]

Recent Actions

2025-02-14: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
2025-02-14: Introduced in House
2025-02-14: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

President Jimmy Carter Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-02-14 — PDF (6 pages)