This bill authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali, posthumously, in recognition of his achievements as an athlete, civil rights champion, and humanitarian. It also authorizes the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
André Carson
Representative
IN-7
The Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali posthumously, in recognition of his achievements as an athlete, civil rights champion, and humanitarian. Following the presentation, the medal will be given to his wife, Lonnie Ali. The Act also permits the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Congress Honors Muhammad Ali with Gold Medal, Bronze Duplicates to Fund Production
The "Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act" (SEC. 1) officially recognizes the boxing legend's contributions not just as an athlete, but as a major figure in the civil rights movement and a global humanitarian. The bill authorizes Congress to award Ali a posthumous Gold Medal, acknowledging his impact on American society and his work promoting peace and understanding worldwide (SEC. 2 & 3).
Honoring 'The Greatest'
This bill cements Ali's legacy, highlighting his journey from Olympic gold medalist in 1960 to three-time heavyweight champion, all while facing discrimination and controversy for his stand against the Vietnam War (SEC. 2). It acknowledges his transition from boxing icon to a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement, and his later work as a global ambassador for peace, even after his Parkinson's diagnosis. Think of it like this: the nation is formally recognizing that Ali's impact went far beyond the boxing ring, influencing everything from social justice to international relations. The medal itself will be given to Ali's wife, Lonnie Ali, after the official presentation (SEC. 3).
Paying for the Tribute (Without Taxpayer Dollars)
Here's where it gets practical: The bill doesn't just authorize a medal; it outlines how to make it happen. The Secretary of the Treasury will design the gold medal (SEC 3). To cover costs, the Secretary can also create and sell bronze duplicates to the public (SEC. 4). The price will be set to cover all production expenses. And all of this will be paid via the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. That means the funds to make the medals come from the sales, not from new taxes (SEC. 6). So anyone who admires Ali can purchase a bronze version, and the proceeds go right back into the fund that made the original.
Medals as National Symbols
These medals, both gold and bronze, aren't just souvenirs. The bill specifically designates them as "national medals" and "numismatic items" under U.S. Code (SEC. 5). This means they're officially recognized as part of the nation's historical and cultural record – a lasting tribute to Ali's extraordinary life and impact.