H.R. 1626 — Edward J. Dwight, Jr., Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025

This section states congressional findings regarding the life, education, Air Force career as a pilot and test pilot candidate, astronaut training under President Kennedy, racial obstacles faced, transition to sculpture, and artistic achievements of Edward Joseph Dwight, Jr., born September 9, 1933.

This section authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a single Congressional Gold Medal, struck by the Secretary of the Treasury, to Edward J. Dwight, Jr.—the first African-American astronaut candidate in the United States—in recognition of his historic service to the United States, example of excellence during times of struggle and overt racism, and contributions in art and Black history. Following presentation, the medal is given to Edward J. Dwight, Jr., or, if unavailable, to Curtis Christopher Dwight.

This section authorizes the Secretary to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal struck under section 3, at a price sufficient to cover the costs thereof, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses.

This section designates medals struck under this Act as (1) national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code (i.e., federal laws governing coins and currency), and (2) numismatic items for purposes of sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United States Code (i.e., authorizing U.S. Mint production and sale).

This section authorizes the use of amounts from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, as necessary, to pay the costs of striking the medals authorized under this Act and directs the deposit of proceeds from the sale of duplicate bronze medals into that fund.