Welles Crowther Gold Medal

Summary#

This bill would award a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to Welles Remy Crowther in recognition of his bravery, heroism, and sacrifice during the September 11, 2001, attacks. The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate would arrange the presentation. The Secretary of the Treasury would design and strike the gold medal bearing Crowther’s image and name. After presentation, the gold medal would be given to his mother, Alison Crowther. The Secretary may also strike and sell duplicate bronze versions to cover costs. The medals would be treated as national medals and as numismatic items. The bill authorizes charging necessary medal costs to the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund and requires proceeds from bronze sales to be deposited into that fund. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

What it means for you#

  • The measure honors Welles Remy Crowther for actions described in the bill and creates an official, posthumous Congressional Gold Medal in his name.
  • The gold medal will be presented on behalf of Congress and given to Crowther’s mother.
  • Members of the public may be able to purchase duplicate bronze medals if the Secretary chooses to strike and sell them to cover costs.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to be charged for the costs of striking the medals.
  • Amounts received from sale of duplicate bronze medals are to be deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
  • No publicly available information on exact dollar costs or timing is provided in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

  • The bill’s findings state that Welles Remy Crowther acted with calm, compassion, bravery, leadership, and sacrifice during the September 11 attacks, including helping people in the World Trade Center and assisting firefighters, and that he became known as the “Man in the Red Bandanna.”
  • Proponents see awarding a Congressional Gold Medal as a way to recognize and enshrine his actions and to honor his example.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.