H.R. 9505: Bonnie Eloise Rush Milam Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2026

This bill would award a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to Bonnie Eloise Rush Milam in recognition of her service to the U.S. Armed Forces through the Melody Maids and her broader contributions to patriotism, music education, and leadership development for young women.

What the bill says about her

The bill explains that Bonnie Eloise Rush Milam:

• Was a music educator who founded the Melody Maids, an all-girls singing group, in Beaumont, Texas, in 1942 during World War II.
• Led the group in performances meant to support military morale, including at bases, hospitals, veterans’ events, and locations in the United States and overseas.
• Mentored about 1,500 young women through the Melody Maids, with an emphasis on discipline, professionalism, and service.
• Also composed a song celebrating Texas oil heritage and received several honors during her lifetime.

What the bill would authorize

The bill would direct the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a gold medal on behalf of Congress.

It would also require the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the medal.

What happens to the medal

After the presentation, the medal would be given to the Tyrrell Historical Library in Beaumont, Texas, where it could be displayed and used for research.

Other provisions

• The Treasury Secretary would be allowed to make and sell bronze duplicate medals.
• The cost of making the medals could be paid from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
• Money from selling duplicate bronze medals would go back into that same fund.
• The medals would be treated as national medals and as numismatic items under federal law.

Relevant Companies

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