HR 3498 United States House · 119th Congress

Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

HR 3498, the Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a commemorative gold medal to honor Henrietta Lacks for her contribution to science through her immortal HeLa cells. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to strike the medal, which will be presented posthumously by Congress and displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. It also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint fund. This is a ceremonial recognition of Lacks' legacy, not a policy change affecting any group or requiring new regulations.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

May 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

President

Introduced May 19, 2025 Last action May 19, 2025

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Committee

May 19, 2025

Committee

Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

lower

May 19, 2025

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

1 primary · 35 co-sponsors