[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5715 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5715
To award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the American
hostages and victims of the October 7th, 2023 attacks, in recognition
of their profound suffering and sacrifice.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
October 8, 2025
Mr. Gottheimer (for himself, Mr. Lawler, Mr. Doggett, Mr. David Scott
of Georgia, Mr. Veasey, Mr. Sherman, Ms. Gillen, Mr. Latimer, Mr.
Bacon, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Stanton, Mr. Landsman, Mr. Moskowitz, Mr.
Cuellar, Mr. LaLota, Mr. Magaziner, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Soto, and Mr. Hoyer)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Financial Services
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the American
hostages and victims of the October 7th, 2023 attacks, in recognition
of their profound suffering and sacrifice.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``October 7 Gold Medal Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a brutal,
unprovoked attack from Gaza into Israel, killing more than
1,200 people, including at least 30 Americans, according to the
Israeli military and the United States Department of State.
(2) In the early morning hours of that day, Hamas forces
stormed across the border, infiltrating Israeli towns and
communities, slaughtering civilians, including women, children,
and the elderly; ambushing music festival attendees; and
attacking Israeli Defense Forces bases.
(3) 251 individuals were taken hostage during the attack,
including 12 American citizens--some of whom were killed during
abduction or later died while in captivity.
(4) Among those kidnaped were children, seniors, and young
adults, many of whom were dragged from their homes and
communities to be held in brutal conditions inside Hamas's
labyrinth of tunnels underneath Gaza, in clear violation of
international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.
(5) These hostages, including Americans, endured
unspeakable conditions in captivity--denied medical care,
isolated from their families, and endured psychological abuse
during their imprisonment.
(6) Despite the horror of that day, countless civilians and
Israeli soldiers responded with extraordinary courage, risking
and sacrificing their lives to protect others. First
responders, community members, and soldiers fought valiantly to
repel terrorists, rescue hostages, and save lives in
neighborhoods under siege.
(7) Among those who fell that day or shortly thereafter
were true heroes--civilians who shielded children, soldiers who
died defending their comrades, and neighbors who gave their
lives in acts of selfless bravery.
(8) The families of American hostages, both those who were
freed and those who remain in captivity, have demonstrated
relentless courage, resilience, and unity in advocating for
their loved ones--exemplifying the best of the American spirit
and values.
(9) On May 12, 2025--584 days after the October 7 attacks--
the final living American hostage was released from Hamas
captivity.
(10) As of the date of this resolution, hostages still
remain in captivity, including 2 Americans. The United States
Congress continues to call for their immediate and
unconditional release.
(11) The bravery of American hostages, the fallen, and
their families deserves recognition by the Nation. Their
suffering, sacrifice, and perseverance in the face of terrorism
reflect the strength and resilience of the American people.
SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Presentation Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make
appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of Congress,
of a gold medal of appropriate design, to the American hostages and
victims of the October 7th, 2023 attacks, in recognition of their
profound suffering and sacrifice.
(b) Design and Striking.--For purposes of the presentation referred
to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (referred to in
this Act as the ``Secretary'') shall strike a gold medal with suitable
emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary.
(c) Disposition of Medals.--Following the award of the gold medal
under subsection (a), the medal shall be displayed and made available
for research, as appropriate, at the Weitzman National Museum of
American Jewish History in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold
medal struck pursuant to section 3, at a price sufficient to cover the
cost thereof, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and
overhead expenses.
SEC. 5. STATUS OF MEDALS.
(a) National Medals.--The medals struck pursuant to this Act are
national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States
Code.
(b) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of sections 5134 and 5136 of
title 31, United States Code, all medals struck under this Act shall be
considered to be numismatic items.
SEC. 6. AUTHORITY TO USE FUND AMOUNTS; PROCEEDS OF SALE.
(a) Authority To Use Fund Amounts.--There is authorized to be
charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund such
amounts as may be necessary to pay for the costs of the medals struck
under this Act.
(b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sale of duplicate
bronze medals authorized under section 4 shall be deposited into the
United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
<all>