Golden Thirteen Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill Number: H.R. 7317
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Government Operations and Politics
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-02-02: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-04-24T22:31:28Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Golden Thirteen Congressional Gold Medal Act," aims to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to the "Golden Thirteen"—a group of 13 Black men who became the first Black naval officers in the U.S. Navy in 1944— in recognition of their pioneering achievements, resilience against racial discrimination, and contributions to the nation during and after World War II.

Key Provisions

Findings Section: Congress outlines the historical context, including:
In 1944, 16 Black enlisted men underwent accelerated officer training (8 weeks instead of 16) at Great Lakes, Illinois, amid a Navy with no Black officers.
All 16 passed exams with the highest average score (3.89/4.00) in Navy history at the time, despite accusations of cheating and retesting.
Only 12 were commissioned as ensigns, one as a chief warrant officer (totaling the "Golden Thirteen"), while three were returned to enlisted ranks without explanation.
The group supported each other through group study and shared expertise; they later oversaw all-Black units or trained Black recruits.
Named "Golden Thirteen" in the 1970s; first reunion in 1982 aboard the USS KIDD-993.
Lists the 13 honorees and the three who passed but were not commissioned.
Award Authorization: The Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate arrange the posthumous presentation of a gold medal to the Golden Thirteen.
Medal Production: The Secretary of the Treasury designs and strikes the gold medal with appropriate symbols and inscriptions.
Disposition of the Medal: The original gold medal goes to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research; Congress encourages display at sites linked to the Golden Thirteen.
Duplicates and Sales: Bronze duplicate medals may be struck and sold at cost to cover production expenses (labor, materials, etc.).
Legal Status and Funding: Medals are classified as national medals and numismatic items under U.S. law (title 31, U.S. Code). Costs are funded 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 the existing framework for Congressional Gold Medals (governed by 31 U.S.C. chapter 51). It adds the Golden Thirteen to the list of recipients, similar to medals awarded to other historical figures or groups, without altering medal production, funding, or eligibility rules.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint and Treasury handle design, striking, and sales, incurring minimal costs covered by existing funds and duplicate sales. The Smithsonian gains an artifact for public education on naval and civil rights history.
Citizens: Promotes awareness of overlooked Black contributions to U.S. military history, potentially inspiring education and diversity initiatives; families of the honorees may receive recognition, though no direct benefits are specified.
International Relations: None; the bill focuses on domestic historical commemoration with no foreign policy elements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Golden Thirteen and Families: Posthumous honorees (13 commissioned officers) and the three who passed exams but were not promoted; their descendants benefit from national recognition.
Smithsonian Institution: Responsible for preserving and displaying the medal.
U.S. Navy and Military Historians: Highlights early integration efforts, potentially influencing recruitment, training, or historical narratives.
Congress and Public: Broadens representation in congressional honors, affecting cultural and educational institutions.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Aligns with precedents for posthumous awards (e.g., to groups like the Tuskegee Airmen), ensuring compliance with numismatic laws without raising enforceability issues.
Constitutional: No conflicts; falls under Congress's enumerated powers to honor contributions (Article I, Section 8) and spend for public purposes.
Political: Symbolically advances recognition of racial progress in the military, underscoring themes of equity and perseverance against discrimination; could foster bipartisan support for historical preservation but may highlight ongoing debates on military diversity.

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

Sponsor

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

Recent Actions

2026-02-02: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-02-02: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2026-02-02: Introduced in House
2026-02-02: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E88)
2026-02-02: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Golden Thirteen Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2026-02-02 — PDF (5 pages)