Congress honors civil rights pioneer Constance Baker Motley with gold medal
H.R. 5309 — Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2025 · Filed by Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) · 206 cosponsors · Introduced Sep 11, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill authorizes Congress to posthumously award a gold medal to Constance Baker Motley, a pioneering civil rights lawyer and federal judge who was the first African-American woman appointed to the federal bench. The medal will be presented to her son and niece, with the Treasury Department striking the medal and authorized to sell bronze duplicates to recover costs.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole operative function is to authorize a posthumous congressional gold medal honoring a deceased civil rights pioneer. It contains no regulatory, appropriations, or policy provisions — purely ceremonial recognition with cost recovery through optional duplicate sales.
Who it affects
This is a non-binding commemorative measure honoring a deceased public servant whose judicial and legal career advanced civil rights protections that benefited all Americans. No citizen loses rights, pays new costs, or faces restrictions; the public record reflects recognition of a figure whose work strengthened democratic accountability and equal protection.