HR 5715
October 7 Gold Medal Act
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the October 7 Gold Medal Act, seeks to honor the American hostages and victims of the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. It authorizes Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize their suffering, sacrifice, and resilience. The medal will be displayed at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, and duplicates will be sold to raise funds for the mint.
Key provisions
- Authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to American hostages and victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks.
- Specifies the design and striking of the gold medal, to be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.
- Directs the display and availability of the gold medal for research at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
- Permits the striking and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to raise funds.
- Designates the medals as national medals under title 31 of the United States Code.
- Classifies the medals as numismatic items under title 31 of the United States Code.
- Authorizes the use of funds from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to cover the costs of the medals.
- Specifies that proceeds from the sale of bronze duplicates will be deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Who is affected
- American hostages and victims of the October 7, 2023 attacks
- Families of American hostages
- The United States Mint
- The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
H. R. 5715
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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.
This Act may be cited as the October 7 Gold Medal Act
.
The Congress finds the following:
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.
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.
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.
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.
These hostages, including Americans, endured unspeakable conditions in captivity—denied medical care, isolated from their families, and endured psychological abuse during their imprisonment.
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.
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.
On May 12, 2025—584 days after the October 7 attacks—the final living American hostage was released from Hamas captivity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.
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.
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.
Amounts received from the sale of duplicate bronze medals authorized under section 4 shall be deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.