Peace Corps Volunteers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 5521

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-19: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T08:06:35Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

This bill, titled the "Peace Corps Volunteers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025," aims to honor Peace Corps volunteers for their 65 years of service since 1961. It recognizes their contributions to world peace, friendship, and U.S. foreign policy through community development, cultural exchange, and public service in over 140 countries.

Key Provisions

• Findings Section: Congress outlines the history and impact of the Peace Corps, including its establishment by President John F. Kennedy via Executive Order 10924 in 1961 and the Peace Corps Act later that year. It highlights:
• Nearly 250,000 volunteers who have served in sectors like agriculture, education, health, and economic development.
• The three core goals: providing trained personnel to host countries, promoting understanding of Americans abroad, and fostering understanding of other cultures among Americans.
• Notable sacrifices, such as over 300 volunteers who died in service, and adaptations during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, including virtual service programs.
• Endorsements from leaders like Presidents Kennedy, Reagan, and figures such as General Colin Powell and Sargent Shriver (first Peace Corps Director).
• Past recognitions, including Nobel Peace Prize nominations in 2002 and 2011.

• Sense of Congress: Expresses gratitude for volunteers' service, urges public thanks on appropriate occasions, and calls for expedited production of the medal for presentation by September 22, 2026 (the 65th anniversary of the Peace Corps Act), ideally at the Capitol Rotunda or another suitable location.

• Congressional Gold Medal Authorization:
• Directs the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange presentation of a single gold medal to the Peace Corps Director in Washington, D.C.
• The Secretary of the Treasury designs and strikes the medal with appropriate symbols and inscriptions.
• The medal is given to Peace Corps headquarters for display and research, with encouragement to show it at volunteer-related sites.

• Duplicate Medals and Sales: Allows the Secretary to produce and sell bronze duplicates at cost to cover expenses like materials and labor.

• Legal Status and Funding:
• Medals are classified as national medals under U.S. law (Chapter 51 of Title 31), treated as numismatic items (collectible coins or medals) for production and sales rules.
• Costs are covered by the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund; proceeds from bronze sales go back into the fund.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This legislation introduces a new award without altering prior laws. It builds on the existing framework of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.) by providing symbolic recognition but does not modify operations, funding, or volunteer programs. It aligns with precedents for Congressional Gold Medals, which are the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Peace Corps gains a prestigious artifact for display, potentially enhancing recruitment and morale. The U.S. Mint incurs minor production costs, offset by fund usage and sales. No ongoing budgetary demands on federal agencies.
• On Citizens: Honors approximately 250,000 past and present volunteers (serving from 1961 to 2026), validating their unpaid service (volunteers receive stipends but live at local levels). It may inspire future volunteerism and public service among Americans.
• On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. "soft power" by spotlighting grassroots diplomacy and cultural exchange, strengthening ties with host countries and countering negative perceptions. It highlights the Peace Corps' role in promoting mutual understanding, trade, and security without military involvement.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Peace Corps Volunteers and Returned Volunteers: Primary recipients of recognition, including those who served from August 28, 1961 (first departure to Ghana), through December 31, 2026; over 300 who died in service are specifically honored.
• Peace Corps Agency: Receives the medal for headquarters display and potential traveling exhibits; benefits from heightened visibility.
• U.S. Congress and Executive Branch: Bipartisan introducers (e.g., Ms. McCollum, Mr. Rutherford) reflect broad support; involves ceremonial roles for House and Senate leaders.
• U.S. Mint and Treasury Department: Handles design, production, and sales.
• American Public and Host Countries: Indirectly affected through promoted values of peace, volunteerism, and global understanding.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Fully compliant with U.S. Code for national medals and numismatics (31 U.S.C. §§ 5134, 5136), ensuring no legal challenges. The bill's referral to the House Committee on Financial Services follows standard procedure for medal authorizations.
• Constitutional: No issues, as it falls under Congress's enumerated powers to honor citizens and appropriate funds (Article I, Section 8). It emphasizes non-partisan recognition of public service.
• Political: Symbolizes enduring bipartisan commitment to the Peace Corps as a foreign policy tool, echoing Kennedy's legacy and recent adaptations (e.g., COVID-19 response). The expedited timeline and public ceremony could foster national unity and inspire civic engagement, with minimal controversy due to its ceremonial nature.

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

Sponsor

Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4]

Cosponsors (23)

Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-19: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
• 2025-09-19: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-19: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Peace Corps Volunteers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-19 — PDF (16 pages)