American Rescuers of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Adam Schiff

The bill would designate a Congressional Gold Medal to honor U.S. individuals who rescued Jews and other refugees during Nazi Germany’s Final Solution.

Introduced in Senate

Summary of Bill: S. 4868 (119th Congress)

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to individuals in the United States who actively assisted Jews and other refugees during the period of Nazi Germany’s genocidal policies known as the Final Solution.

The recognition acknowledges the contributions of those who rescued or aided refugees, resulting in tens of thousands of Jews and others being spared from likely death.

Key Provisions

Award Type: Congressional Gold Medal, awarded collectively (i.e., a single medal honoring all eligible individuals or a single commemorative medal representing the group).

Recipients: Individuals in the United States who were active in rescuing and aiding Jews and other refugees during the Final Solution period in Europe.

Authority and Ceremony: The measure authorizes or directs the production of the medal and typically involves customary congressional procedures for Congressional Gold Medal honors, including selecting a design and arranging for manufacture and presentation.

Designation and Issuance: The bill designates the medal for the named beneficiaries and outlines any related commemorative activities, such as a ceremony or accompanying commemorative events.

Who Is Affected

Direct Beneficiaries: Individuals who engaged in rescue and aid efforts for Jews and other refugees during Nazi Germany’s Final Solution.

Indirect Beneficiaries/Stakeholders: The families and communities of rescuers, Holocaust survivors, and the broader public who recognize and remember acts of rescue during World War II.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Intro and Referral: Introduced in the United States Senate and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (BHUA) for consideration.

Action History:

2026-06-23: Read twice and referred to the BHUA Committee.
2026-06-23: Introduced in the Senate.

Sponsorship: Primary sponsor is a member of the Senate; the bill lists a co-sponsor (Adam Schiff).

Potential Impact

Recognition and Education: Provides formal national recognition of the courageous acts of rescuers, contributing to public awareness and historical education about Holocaust rescue efforts.

Cultural and Historical Significance: Enhances remembrance of individuals who helped save lives during a period of extreme peril, reinforcing values of humanitarian aid and courage.

Legislative Process: Moves through the standard federal process for Congressional Gold Medal designations, which may involve design approval, funding considerations (if any costs are allocated in related measures), and a potential final congressional vote.

Notes

The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose to honor rescuers with a Congressional Gold Medal and does not specify the exact number of recipients or design particulars, which are typically determined during committee processes and subsequent enactment steps.