SEAL Team Six Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]
- Committees
- Committee on House Administration (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 10, 2026
Bottom line
The "SEAL Team Six Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal for SEAL Team Six and bronze duplicates for sale and distribution to recognize their pivotal role in the defeat of Osama bin Laden.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the award of a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (commonly referred to as "SEAL Team Six") for their critical role in defeating Osama bin Laden. It directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the gold medal, which will then be given to the National Museum of American History for display. Additionally, the bill authorizes the striking and sale of bronze duplicates, with a mandate to provide one to each participating member of SEAL Team Six and related staff.
Section 3(a)
Congressional Gold Medal Award Authorization
This section explicitly authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make the necessary arrangements for the formal award of a Congressional Gold Medal. This prestigious honor is to be bestowed, collectively, upon the members of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, widely known as "SEAL Team Six." The award serves as a profound recognition of their pivotal and critical role in the successful operation that led to the defeat of Osama bin Laden, a significant victory in the ongoing global fight against terrorism.
Section 3(b), 3(c)
Medal Design, Striking, and Museum Display
This provision outlines the subsequent steps for the medal. It directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the gold medal with suitable emblems and inscriptions. After the award ceremony, the gold medal is mandated to be transferred to the National Museum of American History, part of the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be available for public display and academic research. Furthermore, Congress expresses its sentiment that the museum should also make the medal available for display at other relevant locations, particularly those closely associated with SEAL Team Six, ensuring broader public access and recognition.
Section 4
Authorization for Duplicate Bronze Medals
This section addresses the creation and distribution of duplicate medals. It grants the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal. The pricing for these duplicates is set to cover all associated costs, including labor, materials, and overhead expenses, effectively making them available to the public as commemorative items. More significantly, this provision mandates that a bronze medal be personally given to each individual member of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group and any related staff who were determined by the Secretary of Defense to have participated in the mission to defeat Osama bin Laden, providing individual recognition for their service.