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WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

USA119th CongressHR-4901| House 
| Updated: 8/5/2025
Elise M. Stefanik

Elise M. Stefanik

Republican Representative

New York

Cosponsors (9)
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democratic)Thomas R. Suozzi (Democratic)Ted Lieu (Democratic)Sara Jacobs (Democratic)Marilyn Strickland (Democratic)Josh Harder (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)Mike Thompson (Democratic)Jennifer A. Kiggans (Republican)

Committee on House Administration, Financial Services Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, titled the "WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act," seeks to honor the brave women who served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and U.S. Navy Nurse Corps during World War II by collectively awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal. This recognition is for their critical military service and unwavering devotion to duty, acknowledging the more than 73,000 nurses who volunteered during the war. These nurses served under extremely dangerous conditions, often near front lines in field hospitals across six continents, on hospital trains and ships, and as flight nurses. Despite their vital contributions, they initially received only "relative rank," which meant they had no military status, received 50 percent of male counterparts' pay, and were denied veteran benefits. Many endured capture as prisoners of war, faced direct enemy fire, and provided care with minimal supplies, significantly improving soldier morale and survival rates. The bill highlights their extraordinary efforts, noting that fewer than 4 percent of American soldiers receiving medical care died from wounds or disease, thanks largely to these nurses. They received numerous medals and commendations, with some making the ultimate sacrifice due to enemy action or duty-related incidents. This legislation aims to provide belated official recognition for their profound impact and sacrifices. Upon its award, the gold medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a Sense of Congress encouraging its display at other relevant locations such as military medical centers and museums. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike the medal and also to produce and sell duplicate bronze medals to the public, with proceeds supporting the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-7759
WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-3272
WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act
Jun 26, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-2195
Introduced in Senate
Aug 5, 2025
Introduced in House
Aug 5, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-7759
    WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-3272
    WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • June 26, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-2195
    Introduced in Senate


  • August 5, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • August 5, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • S 119-2195: WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

USA119th CongressHR-4901| House 
| Updated: 8/5/2025
This bill, titled the "WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act," seeks to honor the brave women who served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and U.S. Navy Nurse Corps during World War II by collectively awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal. This recognition is for their critical military service and unwavering devotion to duty, acknowledging the more than 73,000 nurses who volunteered during the war. These nurses served under extremely dangerous conditions, often near front lines in field hospitals across six continents, on hospital trains and ships, and as flight nurses. Despite their vital contributions, they initially received only "relative rank," which meant they had no military status, received 50 percent of male counterparts' pay, and were denied veteran benefits. Many endured capture as prisoners of war, faced direct enemy fire, and provided care with minimal supplies, significantly improving soldier morale and survival rates. The bill highlights their extraordinary efforts, noting that fewer than 4 percent of American soldiers receiving medical care died from wounds or disease, thanks largely to these nurses. They received numerous medals and commendations, with some making the ultimate sacrifice due to enemy action or duty-related incidents. This legislation aims to provide belated official recognition for their profound impact and sacrifices. Upon its award, the gold medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a Sense of Congress encouraging its display at other relevant locations such as military medical centers and museums. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike the medal and also to produce and sell duplicate bronze medals to the public, with proceeds supporting the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-7759
WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-3272
WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act
Jun 26, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-2195
Introduced in Senate
Aug 5, 2025
Introduced in House
Aug 5, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-7759
    WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-3272
    WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • June 26, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-2195
    Introduced in Senate


  • August 5, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • August 5, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Elise M. Stefanik

Elise M. Stefanik

Republican Representative

New York

Cosponsors (9)
Christopher R. Deluzio (Democratic)Thomas R. Suozzi (Democratic)Ted Lieu (Democratic)Sara Jacobs (Democratic)Marilyn Strickland (Democratic)Josh Harder (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)Mike Thompson (Democratic)Jennifer A. Kiggans (Republican)

Committee on House Administration, Financial Services Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • S 119-2195: WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted