James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 763
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-28: 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
- 2025-03-27T15:26:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell, the only civilian participants in Andrews' Raiders during the Civil War. It recognizes their bravery and loyalty to the Union in leading and joining the "Great Locomotive Chase," a daring 1862 raid to disrupt Confederate supply lines by hijacking a train.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The act is named the "James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell Congressional Gold Medal Act."
- Findings: The bill details the historical context, including:
- Andrews' background as a civilian spy who organized the raid.
- Campbell's recruitment as a civilian volunteer.
- The raid's objective to sabotage the Western and Atlantic Railroad to aid Union forces in capturing Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- The raid's execution on April 12, 1862, capture of the participants, their trials as spies, and executions (including Andrews and Campbell).
- Recognition of the military raiders' Medals of Honor (first awarded in U.S. history) and cultural depictions in films like The Great Locomotive Chase (1956).
- The locomotives involved are now museum displays in Georgia.
- Award Presentation: Congress authorizes a single gold medal to be presented collectively to Andrews and Campbell by the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate.
- Design and Production: The Secretary of the Treasury designs and strikes the medal with appropriate symbols and engravings.
- Disposition: After presentation, the medal goes to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a preference for showing it at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Museum and allowing loans for other exhibits.
- Duplicates and Sales: Bronze duplicates may be struck and sold to cover costs, with proceeds returned to the U.S. Mint's fund.
- Legal Status: The medals are classified as national medals under U.S. law (chapter 51 of title 31) and numismatic items (under sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31), allowing for their production and sale.
- Funding: Costs are covered by the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new authorization for a Congressional Gold Medal specifically for these two civilians, filling a gap in recognition. While 21 of the 24 raiders (all military) received Medals of Honor—starting with the first ever awarded in 1863—the civilians were ineligible due to their non-military status. It establishes procedures for striking, displaying, and funding the medal consistent with prior Gold Medal laws but tailored to this historical event.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint and Treasury will handle production and sales with minimal additional burden, funded internally. The Smithsonian gains an artifact for public education on Civil War history.
- Citizens: Enhances national appreciation of Civil War heroism, particularly civilian roles, through museum displays and potential educational programs. No direct financial impact on taxpayers.
- International Relations: None; this is a domestic historical honor with no foreign policy elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Congress: Responsible for authorizing and presenting the medal.
- U.S. Treasury and Mint: Oversee design, striking, and sales of medals.
- Smithsonian Institution: Receives and manages the medal for public display.
- Historians, Museums, and Educators: Benefit from the artifact's availability, especially at Civil War sites like Chattanooga National Cemetery and Georgia museums.
- Descendants and Civil War Enthusiasts: Gain posthumous recognition for Andrews and Campbell, promoting their legacy.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with Congress's constitutional power (Article I, Section 8) to award medals for distinguished service. It sets no new precedents but reinforces the tradition of Gold Medals for non-military heroes, distinct from the military-only Medal of Honor.
- Constitutional: No challenges; purely ceremonial and historical.
- Political: Symbolizes bipartisan tribute to Civil War sacrifices, potentially fostering unity around shared national history without controversy, as it honors Union efforts in a pivotal early-war operation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-28: 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.
- 2025-01-28: 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.
- 2025-01-28: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-28: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-01-28 — PDF (7 pages)