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H.R. 9417: Artemis II Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill would direct Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to each member of the Artemis II crew in recognition of their role in advancing human space exploration. The medals would be presented on behalf of Congress by the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate.

What the bill does

Names the measure the Artemis II Congressional Gold Medal Act.
States Congress’ findings about the Artemis II mission, including that it:
- set a record for the farthest distance humans have traveled from Earth,
- was the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit and around the Moon in more than 50 years,
- captured new images and tested Orion spacecraft systems in deep space, and
- helped prepare for future lunar missions and eventual Mars missions.
Authorizes the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medals.
Specifies that each medal will depict the four-member Artemis II crew.
Allows the Treasury Secretary to make and sell bronze duplicate medals at a price that covers production costs.
Provides that the cost of the medals can be paid from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Requires money from sales of duplicate bronze medals to be deposited back into that same fund.

Practical effect

The bill is primarily ceremonial. It does not change NASA’s mission plans, space policy, or private-sector rules. Its main effect would be to create and present commemorative medals recognizing the Artemis II crew and related mission personnel.