Edward J. Dwight, Jr., Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025

H.R. 1626, the Edward J. Dwight, Jr., Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025, would authorize the presentation of a single Congressional Gold Medal to Edward J. Dwight, Jr., recognizing him as the first African-American astronaut candidate in the United States. The bill lays out the purpose of the honor (his historic service, example during times of overt racism, and contributions in art and Black history) and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to have the medal struck with Dwight’s image and name. It also specifies the medal’s disposition to Dwight (or his designated successor if unavailable), allows the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates to recover costs, and classifies the medals as national medals and numismatic items. Funding for the medal would come from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund, with proceeds from bronze duplicates deposited back into that fund. The bill’s Findings section provides a detailed biographical overview of Dwight’s life, highlighting his Air Force career, his barrier-breaking status as an African-American candidate for space, his later work as a sculptor and artist, and recognitions he has received from various institutions. The overall effect is ceremonial recognition intended to elevate awareness of Dwight’s trailblazing role in American space history and Black history.