Charles B. Rangel Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Bill Number
- S. 2009
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (text: CR S3317-3318)
- Last Updated
- 2025-08-07T14:58:47Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Charles B. Rangel, recognizing his lifetime achievements as a military veteran, public servant, and Congressman. It highlights his efforts in advocating for underserved communities, improving U.S. global reputation, and co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The Act is named the "Charles B. Rangel Congressional Gold Medal Act."
- Findings: A detailed section outlines Rangel's life story, including:
- His upbringing in Harlem, New York; military service in the Korean War (where he earned a Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart for leading his unit to safety despite injuries); and education using G.I. Bill benefits.
- Early career roles as a lawyer, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and advisor on civil rights and selective service.
- Personal life, including his 60+ year marriage and family.
- Political career: Election to the New York State Assembly and U.S. House (1970–2013); co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus (and chairing it in 1974); leadership on committees like Ways and Means; and key legislation on narcotics, Watergate, taxes, housing, child care, veterans' benefits, international trade (e.g., African Growth and Opportunity Act), healthcare (e.g., Affordable Care Act), and post-9/11 relief.
- Medal Presentation: Authorizes the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange a posthumous presentation of a gold medal to Rangel, honoring his contributions to equality across demographics and economic classes.
- Design and Production: The Secretary of the Treasury designs and strikes the gold medal with emblems, devices, inscriptions, and Rangel's image and name. The original medal goes to his children, Steven and Alicia Rangel.
- Duplicate Medals: Allows the Secretary to produce and sell bronze duplicates to cover production costs (labor, materials, etc.).
- Legal Status and Funding: Treats the medals as national medals under U.S. law (chapter 51 of title 31, U.S. Code) and numismatic items (sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31). Funds the striking from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund; sales proceeds return to the fund.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces no major amendments to current statutes but follows established precedents for Congressional Gold Medals (e.g., under 31 U.S.C. § 5111). It adds Rangel to the list of honorees, authorizes specific funding from the U.S. Mint's fund, and codifies the medal's design and distribution rules as a new public law.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint incurs minor costs for medal production, offset by bronze duplicate sales. Congress handles ceremonial presentation, with no ongoing administrative burden.
- Citizens: Symbolic recognition may inspire public appreciation for Rangel's work on veterans' rights, affordable housing, tax credits for low-income families, and healthcare access (e.g., Affordable Care Act benefits ~20 million people). It underscores support for underserved and minority communities.
- International Relations: Highlights Rangel's role in trade agreements (e.g., with Africa, Caribbean, Korea), potentially reinforcing U.S. commitments to diversity in diplomacy and economic partnerships with developing regions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Rangel's Family: Direct recipients of the gold medal, receiving a tangible honor for his legacy.
- Underserved Communities and Minorities: Beneficiaries of Rangel's advocacy, including Harlem residents, Black Americans, veterans (especially Korean War and minority vets), and low-income families.
- Veterans and Military: Recognition of Rangel's service and legislation improving benefits, housing, and the G.I. Bill.
- Congress and Political Figures: Democrats (Rangel was a longtime member) and the Congressional Black Caucus may view it as affirming civil rights progress; broader Congress participates in the award process.
- U.S. Mint and Treasury: Responsible for production and sales.
- International Partners: Sub-Saharan African nations, Caribbean countries, and Korea, through spotlight on Rangel's trade initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution to "coin money" and award medals as symbols of appreciation. No challenges anticipated, as it mirrors prior awards (e.g., to civil rights leaders or veterans).
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's power to honor individuals without executive involvement, promoting democratic recognition of public service.
- Political: As a bipartisan gesture (introduced by Senate Majority Leader Schumer but applicable across parties), it celebrates a prominent figure's cross-aisle work (e.g., with President George W. Bush on trade). Could foster unity on issues like veterans' support and diversity but may draw partisan attention given Rangel's Democratic leadership roles. No funding controversies, as costs are self-sustaining.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-10: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. (text: CR S3317-3318)
- 2025-06-10: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Charles B. Rangel Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-06-10 — PDF (11 pages)