Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall “Major” Taylor, a groundbreaking American cyclist. It honors his record-setting career, his 1899 world sprint title, and the racism he overcame, recognizing him as a trailblazer, role model, and equal rights advocate . The Treasury will design and strike a gold medal featuring his image and name.

• Who is affected:

  • After the award, the gold medal will go to Taylor’s great‑granddaughter, Karen Donovan.
  • The U.S. Mint may also strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.

• What changes:

  • The Treasury will create the gold medal and may sell bronze duplicates to cover costs.
  • These medals are officially treated as national medals and numismatic items.
  • Costs come from the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund, and any sales proceeds go back into that fund.

• When:

  • The bill authorizes the presentation of the medal; once awarded, it is given to the named family member.