Frank Siller Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7175
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-21: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-13T18:41:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "Frank Siller Congressional Gold Medal Act," aims to honor Frank Siller with a Congressional Gold Medal. The award recognizes his efforts to remember those killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks (commonly known as 9/11), support the families of victims and fallen heroes, and advocate for first responders and military members who serve the country.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Congress outlines key facts, including:
- The death of firefighter Stephen Siller (Frank's brother) on 9/11 while rushing to aid at the World Trade Center's Twin Towers.
- Frank Siller's founding of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to support first responders, military personnel, and their families through actions like paying off home mortgages for families of the fallen, building homes for injured veterans, aiding homeless veterans, and running national remembrance programs.
- Frank Siller's 2021 "Never Forget Walk," a 255-mile journey honoring the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
- His role in inspiring patriotism, compassion, and community service across the U.S.
- Authorization of the Gold Medal: The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate (the acting leader of the Senate in the Vice President's absence) are directed to arrange a ceremony to present a custom gold medal to Frank Siller.
- Design and Production: The Secretary of the Treasury oversees the creation of the medal, including its emblems, symbols, and inscriptions.
- Duplicate Medals: Bronze copies can be produced and sold by the U.S. Mint at a price that covers all production costs (e.g., materials, labor, and overhead).
- Legal Status of Medals: The medals are classified as "national medals" under U.S. law (part of federal rules on coinage and medals) and as "numismatic items" (collectible coins or medals subject to specific sales regulations).
- Funding: Costs are drawn from the U.S. Mint's public fund, and any revenue from bronze duplicate sales is deposited back into that fund, making the process self-sustaining.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill does not amend or alter any prior laws. It simply authorizes a one-time award under the existing framework for Congressional Gold Medals (prestigious honors established by Congress since 1776 to recognize exceptional contributions). It integrates with current U.S. Code provisions on medals (e.g., chapters 51 and sections 5134/5136 of Title 31, which govern national medals and their sale).
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint handles production and sales with no net cost to taxpayers, as expenses are covered by the Mint's fund and duplicate sales. Congress and Treasury are involved minimally in oversight and ceremony planning.
- On Citizens: Symbolically boosts public awareness and appreciation for 9/11 remembrance, support for first responders, and military families. It may encourage philanthropy by highlighting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation's work, potentially benefiting affected individuals through increased donations or visibility.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic honor focused on U.S. events and heroes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Frank Siller: Primary recipient, gaining national recognition for his personal and foundational efforts.
- Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Highlighted for its programs, which could see increased support and funding.
- Families of 9/11 Victims, First Responders, and Military Members: Indirectly benefited through emphasized advocacy and remembrance.
- U.S. Congress and Treasury Department (including the U.S. Mint): Responsible for implementation, with bipartisan sponsors (e.g., Representatives from Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, and others) showing cross-party involvement.
- Broader Public: Americans interested in patriotism, veterans' issues, and 9/11 history, who may engage more with related causes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Fully compliant with constitutional authority (Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution allows Congress to coin money and regulate its value, extending to medals). No enforcement mechanisms or penalties; it's purely ceremonial.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's tradition of awarding medals as a non-monetary honor, avoiding any First Amendment or equal protection issues since it's targeted recognition based on public service.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan unity on honoring post-9/11 heroes and veterans, potentially fostering goodwill across aisles. As an introduced bill (H.R. 7175, 119th Congress, referred to the House Financial Services Committee), its passage would add to the list of over 170 Congressional Gold Medals awarded historically, serving as a feel-good, unifying measure without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-21: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2026-01-21: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Frank Siller Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2026-01-21 — PDF (4 pages)