Edward J. Dwight, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025
This bill, the Edward J. Dwight, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025, would authorize the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Edward J. Dwight, Jr., recognizing him as the first African American astronaut candidate in the United States and highlighting his historic service, perseverance against overt racism, and contributions in art and Black history. The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate would coordinate the presentation, with the Secretary of the Treasury designing and striking the gold medal. The medal would be given to Dwight (or, if unavailable, to his successor Curtis Christopher Dwight). The bill also authorizes bronze duplicates for sale to help cover costs, with proceeds staying in the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund. Additionally, the medal would be treated as a national medal and as a numismatic item under relevant U.S. law.
Key Points
- 1Purpose and recognition: Authorizes a single Congressional Gold Medal for Edward J. Dwight, Jr. to honor his historic role as the first African American astronaut candidate and his broader contributions to science, space history, and Black history.
- 2Presentation and design: The Speaker and the President pro tempore must arrange the presentation; the Secretary of the Treasury will determine the medal’s design and have it struck with Dwight’s name inscribed.
- 3Medal disposition: After presentation, the gold medal would be given to Dwight or, if unavailable, to Curtis Christopher Dwight.
- 4Duplicates and funding: The Secretary may strike bronze duplicates for sale to cover costs; proceeds from these sales go to the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
- 5Legal status and funding source: Medals struck under this act are national medals and, for purposes of law, are considered numismatic items; costs are funded by amounts charged against the Mint Public Enterprise Fund, not from general appropriations.