HR 5521119th CongressIn Committee

Peace Corps Volunteers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025

Introduced: Sep 19, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4] (D-Minnesota)

Defense & National Security

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill authorizes Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal—one of the nation's highest civilian honors—to Peace Corps volunteers collectively. The medal recognizes 65 years of service by Peace Corps volunteers who have worked to promote world peace, cross-cultural understanding, and friendship between the United States and other nations. The medal would be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and made available for public viewing and research, serving as a permanent tribute to the more than 240,000 Americans who have served in the Peace Corps since its establishment in 1961.

Key Points

1Awards a single Congressional Gold Medal to Peace Corps volunteers as a group, rather than to individuals, in recognition of their collective service over 65 years
2Acknowledges the service of more than 240,000 Peace Corps volunteers who have worked in over 140 countries since 1961
3Recognizes volunteers' contributions to international development, education, health, agriculture, and community development
4Requires the medal to be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, with provisions for temporary display at other appropriate locations including the Peace Corps headquarters
5Authorizes the production and sale of bronze duplicate medals to the public, with proceeds used to offset the costs of the gold medal

Impact Areas

Peace Corps volunteers: Current and former volunteers receive national recognition for their service and sacrificesPublic awareness: Increases visibility of Peace Corps contributions to international relations and developmentHistorical preservation: Creates a permanent memorial to Peace Corps service accessible to future generations through the Smithsonian Institution

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