North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3]
- Committees
- Financial Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 21, 2025
Bottom line
This bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the significant volunteer efforts of the North Platte Canteen during World War II, with the medal to be displayed at a local museum.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the individuals and communities who volunteered or donated items to the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II. It directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the medal, which will then be given to the Lincoln County Historical Museum for display. The bill also provides for the striking and sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs.
Section 3(a)
Authorization of Congressional Gold Medal
This provision directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal. This medal is to be awarded collectively to the individuals and communities who volunteered or donated items to the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II, specifically covering the period from December 25, 1941, to April 1, 1946. This action formally recognizes their significant contributions to the war effort on the home front.
Section 3(b) and 3(c)
Medal Design, Production, and Museum Placement
This provision mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the gold medal with appropriate emblems, devices, and inscriptions. Following its official presentation, the gold medal will be permanently given to the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska. This ensures the medal will be available for public display and historical research, preserving its significance for future generations.
Sections 4, 5, and 6
Production and Sale of Duplicate Medals; Funding Mechanism
These sections authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal at a price sufficient to cover all production costs. They also legally classify all medals struck under this Act as national medals and numismatic items. Furthermore, the bill specifies that the costs for striking the medals will be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, and any proceeds from the sale of duplicate bronze medals will be deposited back into this fund, ensuring a self-sustaining financial mechanism for the program.
These sections authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal, classify all medals as national and numismatic items under title 31, United States Code, and specify that costs will be covered by the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, with proceeds from duplicate sales returning to the fund.
Sections 4, 5, and 6
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for bills authorizing commemorative medals. These provisions establish the necessary financial and legal framework for the production, distribution, and long-term management of the medals, ensuring proper handling and cost recovery. It is not intended to be evasive.
Case for: Supporters would argue that these provisions are essential for the practical implementation of the Congressional Gold Medal award. They ensure that the program is financially sustainable through the sale of duplicates and that the medals are properly classified under federal law, which is crucial for their production, authenticity, and legal status.
Case against: There is generally no significant case against these standard administrative provisions, as they are routine for such legislation and do not introduce controversial policy changes or significant new spending from general funds.
Estimated impact: Ensures the financial and legal framework for the production and distribution of the Congressional Gold Medal and its duplicates. The direct fiscal impact on the general budget is minimal, as costs are offset by the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund and proceeds from duplicate sales.