Chief Nimham Purple Heart Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9201
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-22T20:20:02Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation authorizes the posthumous award of the Purple Heart medal to Daniel Nimham for injuries he sustained while serving as a commissioned captain in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. It aims to recognize his service through an exception to standard award rules.
Key Provisions
- The bill is titled the "Chief Nimham Purple Heart Act."
- It directs that, despite the usual requirements in Executive Order 11016, the President may award the Purple Heart to Daniel Nimham for his Revolutionary War injuries.
- The award would be made posthumously.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The measure creates a specific exception to the eligibility criteria established by Executive Order 11016, which normally governs Purple Heart awards. This allows recognition for wounds received in an earlier conflict (the Revolutionary War) that would otherwise fall outside current standards.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Minimal operational impact; the Department of Defense would handle the award process if approved, but no new funding or staffing requirements are specified.
- Citizens: Provides symbolic recognition to the individual and potentially to descendants or communities connected to Revolutionary War service.
- International relations: No direct effects anticipated.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Descendants and historical advocates for Daniel Nimham.
- Members of Congress sponsoring the bill.
- The Department of Defense and military awards officials responsible for processing the medal.
- Broader groups interested in Revolutionary War history and Native American contributions to the conflict.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill represents a targeted legislative override of executive criteria for a military decoration, which is a common mechanism for honoring specific historical cases. It does not alter broader medal policies or create new legal rights, but it highlights congressional authority to address individual awards outside standard administrative rules. No constitutional issues are raised in the text itself.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-08: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Chief Nimham Purple Heart Act — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (2 pages)