Charles B. Rangel Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3760
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-24T11:02:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "Charles B. Rangel Congressional Gold Medal Act," aims to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Charles B. Rangel, a former U.S. Representative, in recognition of his lifelong service as a military veteran, lawyer, and public servant. It honors his efforts to support underserved communities, advance civil rights, improve international relations, and co-found the Congressional Black Caucus.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Details Rangel's life story, including his birth in 1930 in Harlem, New York; service in the Korean War where he earned the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart for leading his unit to safety despite injuries; education using the G.I. Bill; early legal career; marriage and family; political rise in New York state and federal politics; founding role in the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971; legislative achievements in areas like drug policy, tax credits for low-income families, international trade (e.g., African Growth and Opportunity Act), veterans' benefits, healthcare (e.g., Affordable Care Act), and post-9/11 relief; and his overall impact on equality and global diplomacy.
- Medal Presentation: Authorizes the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange a posthumous presentation of a gold medal to Rangel, symbolizing his contributions to equality across demographics and economic classes.
- Design and Production: The Secretary of the Treasury must strike the gold medal with an image and name of Rangel, along with suitable emblems and inscriptions. The medal will be given to Rangel's children, Steven and Alicia Rangel, after presentation.
- Duplicate Medals: Allows the Secretary to produce and sell bronze duplicates to cover production costs (e.g., labor, materials).
- Legal Status and Funding: Treats the medals as national medals under U.S. law (chapter 51 of title 31, U.S. Code), classifying them as numismatic items for sales purposes. Funds for production come from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund, with sales proceeds deposited back into it.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill does not amend or repeal prior laws but authorizes a new, specific award under Congress's existing authority to bestow gold medals (established in 31 U.S.C. § 5111). It adds Rangel to the list of honorees, similar to past recipients like civil rights leaders or military heroes, without altering the broader framework for such medals.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint and Treasury Department will handle medal production and sales, using existing funds with minimal new costs recovered through bronze duplicate sales. Congress may organize a ceremonial presentation, potentially involving coordination with the House Financial Services Committee.
- Citizens: Provides symbolic recognition that could educate the public on Rangel's legacy in civil rights, veterans' support, and economic programs benefiting low-income and minority communities. It may inspire ongoing advocacy for similar issues but has no direct policy effects.
- International Relations: Highlights Rangel's role in trade agreements (e.g., with Africa, Korea, and the Caribbean) and diversity in diplomacy, potentially reinforcing U.S. commitments to global equality and partnerships, though the impact is largely honorific.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Rangel's Family: Direct recipients of the gold medal (children Steven and Alicia), who will preserve it as a family heirloom.
- Congressional Black Caucus and Political Allies: Original sponsors (e.g., Reps. Espaillat, Clarke, Meeks, Torres, Neal) and members who benefit from the recognition of the Caucus's founding history.
- Veterans and Underserved Communities: Groups Rangel championed, such as Korean War veterans, low-income families, and minority diplomats, who may see this as validation of his work.
- U.S. Mint and Treasury: Responsible for executing the medal's design, striking, and sales.
- Public and Historians: Broader society gains a tangible symbol of Rangel's contributions to American history.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on Congress's constitutional power (Article I, Section 8) to "provide for... standards of weights and measures" and award medals as a form of recognition, consistent with precedents like medals for Martin Luther King Jr. or Tuskegee Airmen. No challenges anticipated, as it follows established procedures in 31 U.S.C. §§ 5111–5113.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's role in honoring national figures without infringing on executive or judicial branches.
- Political: Serves as a bipartisan (though Democratic-led) tribute to a trailblazing African American leader, potentially bridging divides on issues like civil rights and trade. It underscores the value of diversity in government but could spark debate on selective honorees amid ongoing discussions of historical equity.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Neal, Richard E. [D-MA-1], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Charles B. Rangel Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-06-05 — PDF (11 pages)