Bill · H.R. 9473· House(119-HR-9473)

Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act

Age: 67 years

New Mexico

Introduced: 6/25/2026
Last activity: 6/25/2026 — 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.
Sponsored by: Teresa Leger Fernandez
Cosponsors: - 33 - 35

International Affairs

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

H.R. 9473 is titled the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act. The bill authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to individuals who fought for or with the United States against the Armed Forces of Imperial Japan in the Pacific theater and became prisoners of war between December 8, 1941, and August 15, 1945. This group includes members of the United States Armed Forces, allied Filipino soldiers, and certain civilians who were imprisoned by Imperial Japan. After the gold medal is awarded, it will be given to the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. Additionally, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike and sell duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

Yes· 3 of 6

Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+7
The bill awards a collective Congressional Gold Medal to honor the sacrifice of those who served and were held as prisoners of war.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
The bill honors the historical service of a demographic that is now largely composed of seniors.
Would women be better off under this?+5
The bill explicitly recognizes the service of female nurses who were among the first women in combat to be taken captive.