Sponsors (8)
The bill provides symbolic, educational, and commemorative recognition of Colonel Young Oak Kim—improving public awareness and museum access—while delivering no new material benefits to veterans or communities and risking limited public access or affordability depending on how the Mint prices and markets the medals.
Students and the general public will have durable, museum-quality access to Young Oak Kim's Congressional Gold Medal at the Smithsonian, creating a public record educators and museums can use to teach civic and military history.
Veterans and all Americans gain greater public recognition of Young Oak Kim's military leadership and the contributions of Asian American service members, raising awareness of minority service in U.S. military history.
Taxpayers and federal managers benefit from clear numismatic designation and Mint authority to produce and sell commemorative medals, which should simplify sales, inventory, and keep program operations self-supporting (sales priced to cover costs).
Veterans and nonprofits receive symbolic recognition but no new benefits, services, or funding—the bill is honorary and may raise expectations without creating material support.
Emphasis on individual honors and commemorative activity could divert public and legislative attention from systemic needs (e.g., broader veteran services or immigrant aid) unless followed by additional policy action.
If the Mint prices medals to include full overhead or prioritizes numismatic collectors, buyers may face higher prices and public access could be limited as items are marketed at premium prices rather than broadly distributed.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for Colonel Young Oak Kim, directs the U.S. Mint to strike the gold medal, transfers it to the Smithsonian, and permits sale of bronze duplicates that cover costs.
Introduced January 28, 2025 by Marilyn Strickland · Last progress January 28, 2025
Authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal honoring Colonel Young Oak Kim, directs the U.S. Treasury (U.S. Mint) to produce a gold medal in an appropriate design, and requires that the medal be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The bill also allows the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicate medals (at prices that cover production costs) and treats medals struck under the Act as numismatic items under federal law.