Peter McGuire Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]
- Committees
- Committee on House Administration (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 4, 2026
Bottom line
This bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Peter McGuire, posthumously honoring his pivotal role and lasting legacy in the American Labor Movement and the fight for workers' rights.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal to Peter McGuire. The medal recognizes his significant contributions to the American Labor Movement, including his advocacy for Labor Day, May Day, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, and the 8-hour workday. Following its presentation, the medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History for display and research.
Section 3(a)
Authorization of Congressional Gold Medal
This section directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the presentation of a single gold medal to Peter McGuire. This award is intended to recognize his significant contributions to the American Labor Movement, acknowledging his historical impact on workers' rights and the ability to organize and collectively bargain.
Section 3(b) and 3(c)
Medal Design and Smithsonian Display
This provision mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the gold medal, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, ensuring it features suitable emblems and inscriptions. After its presentation, the medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of American History for display and research. Congress also expresses a sense that the museum should make the medal available for display at other relevant locations associated with the American Labor Movement or the Gilded Age.
Sections 4, 5, and 6
Duplicate Medals, Status, and Funding
This section authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal at a price sufficient to cover production costs. It also designates all medals struck under this Act as national medals and numismatic items, aligning them with existing federal law. Furthermore, it authorizes the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to cover the costs of striking the medals, with proceeds from the sale of duplicate bronze medals being deposited back into this fund.
This provision authorizes the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to cover the costs of striking the gold medal and its duplicates, and directs that proceeds from the sale of duplicate bronze medals be deposited back into this fund.
Section 6(a) and (b)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for funding the production of commemorative items like Congressional Gold Medals. It ensures that the costs are handled through an established, appropriate fund, and that sales of duplicates can help offset expenses, rather than requiring a separate, specific appropriation. This is not intended to be evasive.
Case for: Supporters would argue that using the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund is an efficient and fiscally responsible way to finance the production of the medal. It leverages an existing fund designed for such operations and allows for cost recovery through the sale of duplicates, minimizing the direct impact on taxpayer funds.
Case against: Critics might contend that while standard, this method could obscure the true cost of the medal if not clearly itemized in budget reports. However, for a commemorative medal, this is a widely accepted and transparent funding mechanism within the Mint's operations.
Estimated impact: The estimated total financial impact is minor, likely involving tens of thousands of dollars for the design and production of the gold medal and initial bronze duplicates, with potential for cost recovery through sales.