Sponsors (23)
The bill formally honors Major Howie and expands public access to a commemorative medal while relying on Mint sales and internal funds to cover costs—providing remembrance and collector access at the cost of modest taxpayer exposure and some ongoing administrative burdens.
Veterans, military families, local communities, and the general public gain formal national recognition of Major Thomas D. Howie’s WWII service and sacrifice, with the medal preserved for public display (e.g., at The Citadel) to support remembrance and education.
Members of the public and collectors can obtain bronze duplicate medals, and the Mint is authorized to recover production costs (including charging the Public Enterprise Fund), meaning sales—rather than annual appropriations—are expected to cover manufacture and reduce direct taxpayer outlays for duplicates.
Designating the medals as official national/numismatic items clarifies their federal status and makes use of existing statutes for sale, custody, and handling, simplifying administration for museums, collectors, and institutions.
Taxpayers may incur modest costs for designing and striking the gold medal and could face financial exposure if sales of duplicates fall short, potentially shifting costs to taxpayers or requiring reduced Mint services.
Federal employees and congressional staff will have to handle ceremonial arrangements and ongoing production/sales administration, creating a modest administrative burden even if public interest is low.
Buyers must bear the full production cost of bronze duplicates, which may make them expensive and limit access for some Americans who want a keepsake.
Based on analysis of 6 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for Major Thomas D. Howie, directs minting and display, and allows sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs.
Authorizes the posthumous award of the Congressional Gold Medal to Major Thomas D. Howie for his leadership and bravery during the Battle of Normandy and directs the U.S. Mint to strike the medal and bronze duplicates. The bill specifies presentation to Major Howie’s next of kin, requires the gold medal to be placed on permanent display at The Citadel Museum, and authorizes the Mint to sell bronze duplicates with proceeds covering production costs.
Official title: To award a Congressional gold medal to Major Thomas D. Howie, in recognition of his bravery and outstanding service during the Battle of Normandy.
Introduced November 7, 2025 by Sheri Biggs · Last progress November 7, 2025