Bill · H.R. 2335· House(119-HR-2335)
To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller posthumously for acts of valor while a member of the Navy during World War II.
- Introduced
- 3/25/2025
- Last activity
- 3/25/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Kweisi Mfume
- Cosponsors
- - 13 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill seeks to authorize the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller. Miller was a member of the Navy who performed acts of valor during World War II. The legislation notes that Miller previously received the Navy Cross for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Due to historical circumstances, the Navy did not allow sailors of color to enlist in combat roles at that time. This bill specifically overrides existing time limitations regarding the awarding of certain medals.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+10
The bill provides significant posthumous recognition for the valor of an African American naval hero.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+8
The bill addresses historical racial disparities by recognizing the valor of an African American sailor who was previously overlooked due to systemic exclusion.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+5
It honors the legacy and ultimate sacrifice of a military service member.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Recognition of Heroism: The bill authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for his acts of valor while serving in the Navy during World War II (Section 2). This recognizes that Miller "deserves the highest honor the United States can bestow upon a member of the Armed Forces" (Section 1, Subsection 9).
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Correction of Historical Disparity: The bill notes that while 15 sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor for similar actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, not one was African American (Section 1, Subsection 8). This award would address the fact that Miller was previously relegated to service-based roles because the Navy did not allow sailors of color to enlist in combat roles (Section 1, Subsection 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+10Good For Veterans+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+8
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5
- 10/5/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/31/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/25/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 10 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Shontel BrownDemocrat · Ohio
Wesley BellDemocrat · Missouri
Yvette ClarkeDemocrat · New York
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Gerald ConnollyDemocrat · Virginia
Jasmine CrockettDemocrat · Texas
Danny DavisDemocrat · Illinois
Debbie DingellDemocrat · Michigan
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Stephen LynchDemocrat · Massachusetts
Gwen MooreDemocrat · Wisconsin
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Terri SewellDemocrat · Alabama