James Earl Jones Congressional Gold Medal Act

This section formally establishes the official short title of the act as the 'James Earl Jones Congressional Gold Medal Act'. This designation provides a concise and easily recognizable name for the legislation, simplifying its reference in legislative discussions, public discourse, and official documents. The use of a short title is a standard legislative practice designed to improve clarity and accessibility for all individuals engaging with the bill, from members of Congress to the general public, ensuring that the purpose of the bill is immediately clear from its title.

This section outlines 17 specific findings by Congress that detail the remarkable life and career of James Earl Jones. These findings cover his early life challenges, including overcoming a serious stutter, his military service, and his extensive and impactful acting career across theatre and film. It highlights his iconic roles, such as Othello on Broadway, Darth Vader in the 'Star Wars' series, and Mufasa in 'The Lion King'. The section also enumerates his numerous prestigious awards, including multiple Tony Awards, an Honorary Academy Award, a Grammy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and the Kennedy Center Honors. Ultimately, these findings establish the legislative basis and justification for awarding the medal by formally recognizing Jones's status as an American icon who reshaped perceptions and advocated tirelessly for equal opportunities in the arts.

This section authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make appropriate arrangements for the posthumous presentation of a gold medal to James Earl Jones. This medal is intended to recognize his profound contributions to the United States and his achievements in paving the way for inclusion and equal opportunities for people of all backgrounds in film and theatre. The Secretary of the Treasury is mandated to design and strike this gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, which must include an image and the name of James Earl Jones. Following its official presentation by Congress, the gold medal is specifically directed to be given to his son, Flynn Earl Jones, ensuring the honor is formally conveyed to his family as a lasting tribute.

These sections collectively address the practical aspects of the medal's production, legal status, and funding. Section 4 authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal to the public at a price sufficient to cover all associated costs, including labor, materials, and overhead. Section 5 clarifies that all medals struck under this Act are considered national medals and numismatic items, aligning them with existing federal statutes. Finally, Section 6 authorizes the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to cover the initial costs of producing the medals, with all proceeds from the sale of duplicate bronze medals being deposited back into this fund, establishing a self-sustaining financial mechanism for the commemorative items.