H.R. 9400: American Rescuers of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2026 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill would direct Congress to award a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor Americans who helped rescue and assist Jews and other refugees during the Holocaust, especially during Nazi Germany’s “Final Solution.” The medal would recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations involved in rescue, relief, and resettlement work between 1933 and 1945.

What the bill says about the history

The bill includes findings describing how American rescue and relief organizations helped save thousands of Jews and other refugees during World War II. It says these efforts took place across Europe, involved hundreds of Americans, and were often dangerous. It also notes that some rescue efforts faced opposition in the United States, including limits on accepting refugees. The bill highlights the War Refugee Board as one especially significant effort.

What would happen if it becomes law

The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate would arrange for the award of the medal on behalf of Congress.
The Secretary of the Treasury would design and strike the medal.
After it is awarded, the medal would be given to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The Museum would keep it for display and research, and Congress states that it should also be made available for display at other appropriate locations when requested, subject to the Museum’s policies.

Additional medals

The bill allows the Treasury Secretary to make and sell duplicate bronze versions of the medal. Those sales would be priced to cover production costs only, and the money from sales would go back into the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Budget and legal status

The bill authorizes the necessary costs to be paid from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund. It also states that the medals are considered national medals and numismatic items under federal law.