October 7 Gold Medal Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5715
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-18T09:07:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation, titled the "October 7 Gold Medal Act," authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor American hostages and victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks. The medal recognizes their suffering, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of terrorism.
Key Provisions
- Findings: The bill details the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, noting over 1,200 deaths (including at least 30 Americans), the taking of 251 hostages (including 12 Americans), and the conditions endured by captives. It highlights acts of bravery by civilians, soldiers, and first responders, as well as the advocacy by families of hostages.
- Medal Award: The Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate arrange for the presentation of one gold medal of appropriate design.
- Design and Striking: The Secretary of the Treasury creates the medal with suitable emblems and inscriptions.
- Disposition: The medal is displayed at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Duplicates: The Secretary may produce and sell bronze duplicates to cover production costs.
- Status and Funding: The medals are designated as national medals and numismatic items. Costs are charged to the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, with sale proceeds returned to the same fund.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces no broad amendments to existing statutes. It creates a new, specific Congressional Gold Medal authorization under the authority of Congress to recognize individuals, similar to prior medals for other groups or events. It references but does not alter chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code, regarding national medals.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires action by the Treasury Department and U.S. Mint to design, strike, and manage the medal and duplicates, using existing Mint funds.
- Citizens: Provides symbolic national recognition to American victims, hostages, and their families, potentially aiding public awareness of the events.
- International Relations: Reinforces U.S. condemnation of the attacks and support for hostage releases, consistent with ongoing calls for the return of remaining captives.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- American hostages and victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks, along with their families.
- The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (recipient of the medal for display).
- The U.S. Congress (as the authorizing body).
- The Department of the Treasury and U.S. Mint (responsible for production and sales).
- Collectors and the public (through availability of duplicate medals).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications Congress exercises its constitutional authority to honor citizens through medals without creating new rights or obligations. The findings reference violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions but impose no new legal requirements. The bill reflects bipartisan sponsorship and continues congressional calls for the release of remaining hostages.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Cosponsors (22)
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-10-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-10-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- October 7 Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-10-08 — PDF (6 pages)