Aretha Franklin Congressional Gold Medal Act

Aretha Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee and died peacefully at her home in Detroit, Michigan surrounded by family and loved ones on August 16, 2018;

Aretha Franklin’s musical talents have influenced generations of musicians and political leaders, creating a legacy that spans an incredible 6 decades;

Aretha Franklin, dubbed the “Queen of Soul”, was the first woman ever inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was a 2005 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a 1999 recipient of the National Medal of Arts and Humanities Award, among other accolades;

Aretha Franklin’s music served as a 1960s call to action that inspired thousands to join civil rights movements and still resonates across these movements today;

Aretha Franklin’s contributions go beyond music and arts;

Aretha Franklin was also a philanthropist who supported causes that advanced civil rights, human health, and gender equality;

Aretha Franklin’s talents instilled hope, uplifted generations, and changed the lives of millions of people across the globe;

the City of Detroit shaped Aretha’s life and music, as her father and church introduced her to local Motown artists; and

in return, Aretha made countless contributions to the City of Detroit and few people have played a greater role in shaping the culturally and socially relevant discography in the United States than Aretha Franklin.

Presentation authorized— The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design in commemoration of Aretha Franklin, in recognition of her outstanding artistic and historical significance to the culture of the United States.

Design and striking— For purposes of the presentation referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the “Secretary”) shall strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary.

National medals— The medal struck pursuant to this Act is a national medal for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.

Numismatic items— For purposes of section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, all medals struck under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.

Authority To use fund amounts— There is authorized to be charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, such amounts as may be necessary to pay for the costs of the medals struck pursuant to this Act.

Proceeds of sale— Amounts received from the sale of duplicate bronze medals authorized under section 4 shall be deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.