Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill would award the Congressional Gold Medal to Joan Trumpauer Mulholland for her lifelong work for civil rights and education. It tells the U.S. Mint to design and make the medal. If she cannot receive it, the medal would go to her son, Loki Mulholland. The bill also allows the Mint to sell bronze copies to the public to cover costs, and it classifies these medals as national medals and numismatic items (). Congress’s findings highlight her role in the Freedom Rides, the 1963 Jackson Woolworth’s sit-in, and decades of teaching and public outreach (; ).

Key points

• Who is affected: Joan Trumpauer Mulholland; the public may be able to buy bronze duplicate medals ().
• What changes: Authorizes a gold medal honoring her service; directs the Mint to make it; allows bronze duplicates; proceeds go to the Mint’s fund; medals are officially recognized as national medals/numismatic items ().
• Why it matters: Recognizes a civil rights leader whose actions, including the Freedom Rides and Jackson sit-in, inspired change and continue to educate others (; ).
• When: Would take effect if enacted into law ().