Freedom House Ambulance Service Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7623

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-20: 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

2026-05-05T08:06:10Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

This bill, titled the "Freedom House Ambulance Service Congressional Gold Medal Act," aims to honor the Freedom House Ambulance Service with a Congressional Gold Medal. It recognizes the service's pioneering role in emergency medical services (EMS), its contributions to pre-hospital care innovation, and its efforts to provide job training and economic opportunities in Pittsburgh's predominantly Black Hill District during the 1960s and 1970s.

Key Provisions

• Findings Section: Outlines the historical context, including:
• Freedom House as the first U.S. EMS staffed by paramedics with advanced training beyond basic first aid.
• Its origins in 1965 as part of Freedom House Enterprises to address poverty and unemployment in Pittsburgh's Hill District.
• Key figures involved, such as Dr. Peter Safar (known for developing CPR), Dr. Nancy Caroline (who wrote the first national paramedic textbook), and others who shaped its training and operations.
• Achievements like superior medical outcomes, influence on national EMS standards, and empowerment of underserved communities, despite being defunded in 1975 due to political and racial tensions.
• Recognition of early women trainees and living legacy keepers.

• Award of the Gold Medal:
• Authorizes the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange a presentation of a single gold medal to commemorate the service.
• The Secretary of the Treasury designs and strikes the medal with appropriate symbols and inscriptions.

• Disposition and Display:
• After presentation, the gold medal is given to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture for display and research.
• Congress expresses a preference for the museum to loan the medal for display at sites linked to Freedom House, such as in Pittsburgh.

• Duplicate Medals and Sales:
• Allows the Secretary to produce and sell bronze duplicates at cost to cover production expenses (labor, materials, etc.).

• Legal and Financial Details:
• Designates the medal as a "national medal" under U.S. law (chapter 51 of title 31, which governs such awards).
• Treats all medals as "numismatic items" (collectible coins or medals) under sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31.
• Funds production from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund; sales proceeds return to the same fund.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This legislation does not amend or repeal prior laws but introduces a new authorization for a specific Congressional Gold Medal. It builds on existing statutes for national medals (e.g., 31 U.S.C. chapter 51) by adding Freedom House as a recipient, similar to awards for other historical figures or groups. No substantive changes to EMS regulations or funding are made.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Minimal operational impact; the U.S. Mint handles production using existing funds, with no new appropriations required. The Smithsonian gains an artifact for its collection, potentially enhancing public education on medical and civil rights history.
• On Citizens: Symbolic recognition may increase awareness of Freedom House's legacy among EMS professionals, Pittsburgh residents, and the broader public, highlighting themes of racial equity and community innovation. Bronze duplicates could be purchased by individuals or organizations for commemoration.
• On International Relations: None; the bill is entirely domestic, focused on U.S. history and institutions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Freedom House Ambulance Service: Past and present members (e.g., original paramedics like Mitchell J. Brown and living figures such as Darnela Wilson) receive formal national recognition for their contributions.
• Pittsburgh Community: Particularly the Hill District, where the service provided lifesaving care and job opportunities to underserved, predominantly Black residents.
• EMS and Medical Professionals: Benefits from highlighting historical innovations that shaped modern paramedic standards nationwide.
• African American Community and Civil Rights Advocates: Underscores the service's role in social justice and economic empowerment during a time of racial inequality.
• Smithsonian Institution: Responsible for preserving and displaying the medal, potentially at additional sites.
• U.S. Congress and Treasury: Involved in authorization, presentation, and minting processes.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Aligns with Congress's established authority under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution to commemorate achievements through medals. It follows precedents for Gold Medal awards (e.g., to groups like the Tuskegee Airmen), ensuring procedural consistency without raising legal challenges.
• Constitutional: No conflicts; the bill respects separation of powers by delegating design and production to the executive branch (Treasury) while Congress authorizes the honor.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support, with introduction by Rep. Lee (D-PA) and cosponsors from both parties, emphasizing unity on recognizing civil rights and medical history. It may inspire similar honors for overlooked contributors to public service, potentially influencing future legislation on EMS funding or equity in healthcare.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12]

Cosponsors (28)

Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-20: 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.
• 2026-02-20: 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.
• 2026-02-20: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-20: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Freedom House Ambulance Service Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2026-02-20 — PDF (8 pages)