Bonnie Eloise Rush Milam Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9505
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-29: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T07:09:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Bonnie Eloise Rush Milam. The medal recognizes her work founding and leading the Melody Maids, a singing group that performed for U.S. military personnel during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, along with her efforts in music education and developing leadership skills among young women.
Key Provisions
- The bill establishes the short title as the "Bonnie Eloise Rush Milam Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2026."
- It includes eight congressional findings that detail Milam's birth in 1908, the creation of the Melody Maids in 1942, their extensive performances at military sites in the U.S. and abroad, her emphasis on values of morals, manners, and music, and her receipt of prior awards such as the American Legion Distinguished Service Award.
- The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate are directed to arrange for the medal's presentation.
- The Secretary of the Treasury is required to design and produce the gold medal, which will then be given to the Tyrrell Historical Library in Beaumont, Texas, for display and research.
- The Secretary may produce and sell duplicate bronze versions of the medal, with proceeds returned to the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
- The medals are designated as national medals under existing U.S. Code provisions for numismatic items.
- Costs for production are authorized to be paid from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces no amendments to current statutes. It follows the established process for creating a new, one-time Congressional Gold Medal through specific legislation, relying on existing authority in title 31 of the U.S. Code for medal production and sales.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: The Department of the Treasury and U.S. Mint will handle design, striking, and possible sales of duplicates, using existing fund mechanisms with no new appropriations required.
- On citizens: The award provides formal national recognition of Milam's contributions, with the medal available for public viewing at a historical library; it may support related scholarship programs at Lamar University.
- On international relations: No direct effects are outlined.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Tyrrell Historical Library, which will receive and display the medal.
- The Melody Maid Foundation and former members of the group.
- Veterans and military communities who benefited from the Melody Maids' performances.
- The family and legacy of Bonnie Eloise Rush Milam.
- The U.S. Mint and Congress, as the entities responsible for production and presentation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications Congress holds clear authority under the Constitution to authorize such commemorative medals. The posthumous nature of the award aligns with past practices for recognizing historical figures. The legislation remains neutral in tone and focuses solely on commemorating documented service and educational contributions without altering broader legal frameworks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-29: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2026-06-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Bonnie Eloise Rush Milam Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-29 — PDF (5 pages)