American Rescuers of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9400
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-23: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T11:04:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor Americans who rescued and aided Jews and other refugees during the Nazi regime's "Final Solution" from 1933 to 1945. The medal recognizes efforts that saved tens of thousands from death, with the medal ultimately transferred to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for display and research.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Findings: Congress notes that U.S. rescue organizations saved many thousands through sponsorship and operations across Europe; highlights opposition to refugee resettlement (such as the 1939 rejection of asylum for 20,000 Jewish children and the S.S. St. Louis incident); identifies the War Refugee Board as saving 200,000 Jews and 20,000 non-Jews; and includes any American participant in such efforts from 1933 to 1945.
- Medal Award: The Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate arrange for the award of one gold medal of appropriate design.
- Design and Production: The Secretary of the Treasury strikes the medal with suitable emblems and inscriptions; bronze duplicates may be struck and sold at cost.
- Transfer and Display: The gold medal is given to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which may display it elsewhere per its policies.
- Legal Status: The medals are designated as national medals and numismatic items under relevant U.S. Code provisions.
- Funding: Costs are covered by the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, with proceeds from duplicate sales deposited there.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
The bill creates a new, specific authorization for this Congressional Gold Medal without amending prior statutes on medals or Holocaust-related policies. It follows the standard process for such awards but applies it to a collective group of historical figures rather than individuals.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Directs the Treasury Department and U.S. Mint to produce and manage the medal and duplicates; requires coordination with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for receipt and display.
- Citizens: Provides formal recognition to American rescuers and relief organizations, some of which continue refugee aid work today.
- International Relations: Focuses on U.S. contributions to Holocaust rescue efforts, potentially supporting commemorative activities with allies and historical partners.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- American individuals and organizations involved in rescue and relief efforts during 1933–1945.
- The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, as the recipient and custodian of the medal.
- The Department of the Treasury and U.S. Mint, responsible for production and sales.
- Congress, which authorizes and arranges the award.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The legislation operates within Congress's established authority to award national medals and poses no apparent constitutional conflicts. It emphasizes collective historical recognition rather than new regulatory or enforcement measures, aligning with prior commemorative traditions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (18)
Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-23: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2026-06-23: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-23: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- American Rescuers of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-23 — PDF (6 pages)