Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 119-66.
Official Summary
Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act This act reauthorizes through FY2028 the Congressional Award Board, the board that administers the Congressional Award Program, and modifies program medals. (The program, established by law in 1979, awards medals to youth ages 14 to 23 who satisfy standards of achievement set by the board. The program aims to promote initiative, achievement, and excellence among youth in the areas of public service, personal development, and physical fitness.) The act removes a requirement for program medals to consist of gold-plate over bronze, rhodium over bronze, or bronze. The reauthorization is effective as if enacted on October 1, 2023 (the date on which a prior reauthorization expired).
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act reauthorizes the Congressional Award Board through fiscal year 2028. This board administers the Congressional Award Program, which recognizes youth aged 14 to 23 for achievements in public service, personal development, and physical fitness. The act also modifies the specifications for program medals by removing the requirement that medals be made of gold-plate over bronze, rhodium over bronze, or bronze. The reauthorization is retroactive to October 1, 2023, the date the prior authorization expired.
This law extends the authorization of the Congressional Award Board through FY2028 and updates medal composition requirements, ensuring continued recognition of youth achievements under the Congressional Award Program.
- Reauthorizes the Congressional Award Board through fiscal year 2028.
- Removes the specific material requirements for program medals.
- Makes the reauthorization effective retroactively to October 1, 2023.
['Youth aged 14 to 23 who participate in the Congressional Award Program.', 'The Congressional Award Board responsible for program administration.', 'Organizations and communities that support youth development and achievement.']
['The bill does not specify funding levels or sources for the reauthorization, which may affect program operations.', 'Removing medal material requirements could impact production standards or costs.', 'Lack of detailed oversight or reporting provisions in the text may affect transparency.']
The Congressional Award Program was established by law in 1979 to encourage youth achievement. This bill continues the program's authorization, reflecting ongoing congressional support for youth development initiatives. The reauthorization follows the expiration of the prior authorization on October 1, 2023, and was enacted into law on December 26, 2025.
Hidden impact flags detected: 2
GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.
['Potential changes in medal production costs or suppliers due to altered material requirements.', 'Possible impacts on program branding or perceived prestige of awards resulting from medal composition changes.', 'Continued operation of the Congressional Award Program supports ongoing youth engagement in public service and personal development.']
The bill reauthorizes an existing youth award program without specifying funding or oversight mechanisms, which are important for transparency and accountability. The removal of medal material requirements may have implications for program standards and costs that warrant monitoring. The retroactive effective date aligns with the expiration of the prior authorization, ensuring no lapse in program authority.
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