Marshall 'Major' Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act (HR 4083)

Summary

The Marshall 'Major' Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act (HR 4083) seeks to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall 'Major' Taylor, a pioneering African American cyclist who became the world champion in 1899. This bill aims to posthumously honor Taylor's remarkable athletic achievements and his trailblazing role in breaking down racial barriers in the world of sports.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a single gold medal on behalf of Congress to Marshall 'Major' Taylor in recognition of his achievements and contributions.
• Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions.
• Permits the Secretary to strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal, with the proceeds to be used to offset the costs of the medal's production.
• Stipulates that the medal will be the property of the Smithsonian Institution and available for display or other use as determined by the institution.

Affected Parties and Impact

• The bill would posthumously honor the legacy of Marshall 'Major' Taylor, a groundbreaking African American cyclist who won the world championship in 1899 and faced significant racial discrimination throughout his career.
• The awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal would serve to recognize Taylor's historic achievements and contributions to the sport of cycling and the advancement of civil rights.
• The Smithsonian Institution would become the custodian of the gold medal, ensuring its preservation and potential public display to educate and inspire future generations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 23, 2025 and has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services for consideration.
• If passed by Congress and signed into law, the Secretary of the Treasury would be required to strike the Congressional Gold Medal honoring Marshall 'Major' Taylor within one year of the bill's enactment.