Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025

This bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Fred Korematsu to honor his stand for civil rights and his lifelong push for justice and equality. It tells the Treasury to make the medal and give it to the Smithsonian for display and research, with an aim to show it widely, including at the National Portrait Gallery. The findings explain why he is being honored: he refused the World War II orders that forced Japanese Americans from their homes, was convicted, and later saw that conviction overturned after evidence showed the government had misled the courts; the government later apologized for these actions.

The bill also lets the Mint sell bronze copies to cover costs, pays minting costs from the Mint’s existing fund, and treats these as official U.S. medals and collectible items.

• Who is affected: Visitors to the Smithsonian and partner museums who can see the medal; collectors who may buy bronze copies.
• What changes: A new national medal is created to honor Korematsu; the Smithsonian will display it; bronze duplicates may be sold to cover costs.
• When: The Smithsonian display happens after the medal is awarded.