Artemis II Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9417
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T08:06:10Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the legislation This bill authorizes the award of Congressional Gold Medals to the four crew members of the Artemis II mission to recognize their role in advancing human spaceflight beyond low Earth orbit and around the Moon.
Key provisions outlined
- Section 2 lists 14 congressional findings detailing mission achievements, including setting a new record distance from Earth (252,756 miles), conducting the first crewed lunar mission in 53 years, capturing high-definition lunar imagery, and achieving multiple technical and operational firsts for the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System.
- Section 3 directs the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate to present one gold medal to each crew member (Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen), with designs determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.
- Section 4 permits the Secretary to strike and sell duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.
- Sections 5 and 6 classify the medals as national medals and numismatic items, and authorize funding through the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, with sale proceeds returned to the same fund.
Significant changes to existing law introduced The bill creates a new, one-time authorization for gold medals tied to a specific NASA mission. It does not amend or repeal any existing statutes but applies standard procedures from title 31 of the United States Code for medal production and sales.
Potential impacts on government agencies, citizens, or international relations
- Government agencies: Requires limited administrative actions by the Treasury Department and U.S. Mint; NASA and the Canadian Space Agency receive formal congressional recognition.
- Citizens: Allows public purchase of bronze duplicates, potentially generating revenue for the Mint without taxpayer cost.
- International relations: Highlights cooperation with Canada through the inclusion of a Canadian astronaut and the Canadian Space Agency.
Identify the main stakeholders affected by this legislation
- The four Artemis II crew members and supporting NASA personnel.
- The Canadian Space Agency and its astronaut.
- The Department of the Treasury and U.S. Mint.
- Congress (as the authorizing body).
- Future Artemis program participants and the broader aerospace industry.
Highlight any notable legal, constitutional, or political implications Congress exercises its authority under Article I to award medals for distinguished service. The legislation emphasizes diversity milestones (first Black astronaut, first woman, and first non-U.S. astronaut to travel beyond low Earth orbit) and sets a precedent for recognizing international partners in U.S.-led space missions. No constitutional challenges or political controversies are addressed in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27], Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8], Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Rogers, Harold [R-KY-5], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Artemis II Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (7 pages)