Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
- Committees
- Financial Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 29, 2025
Bottom line
The bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Joan Trumpauer Mulholland for her lifelong dedication to civil rights and social justice, recognizing her significant historical and ongoing impact.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Joan Trumpauer Mulholland in recognition of her profound and lasting contributions to American life. It highlights her unwavering commitment to social justice and equality, demonstrated through her direct participation in the student-led nonviolent civil rights movement of the early 1960s, including sit-ins and Freedom Rides, and her subsequent career as an educator and civil rights ambassador. The medal acknowledges her personal risks and ongoing educational activities aimed at fostering a multicultural, pluralistic society.
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 to Joan Trumpauer Mulholland. The medal is intended to honor her unique and substantial contributions to American life, specifically citing her lifelong commitment to social justice and equality for all citizens, demonstrated through direct action at great personal risk, and through ongoing educational activities.
Section 3(b)
Design and Striking of Medal
This section mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a gold medal. The medal is to feature suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, the specifics of which are to be determined by the Secretary. This ensures the physical creation of the award authorized in the preceding section.
Sections 4, 5, and 6
Production and Sale of Bronze Duplicates and Funding
These sections authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal to the public at a price sufficient to cover production costs. They also clarify that these medals are considered national medals and numismatic items under federal law. Furthermore, the bill authorizes the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to cover the costs of striking the medals, with proceeds from the sale of bronze duplicates being deposited back into this fund.
These sections authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal, classify these medals as national and numismatic items, and establish that the costs for striking the medals will be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, with proceeds from duplicate sales deposited into the fund.
Sections 4, 5, and 6
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for commemorative medals, ensuring the practical aspects of production, sale, and funding are addressed without detracting from the primary purpose of the award. It is not an attempt at obfuscation.
Case for: Supporters would argue that these provisions allow the public to share in the commemoration through accessible bronze duplicates and ensure that the production costs are managed through an established fund, potentially offsetting expenses.
Case against: There are no significant arguments against these standard, non-controversial provisions, as they are routine for Congressional Gold Medals.
Estimated impact: Provides a mechanism for public engagement with the award and manages the minor fiscal impact of medal production and sales within the existing U.S. Mint framework.