Bill · S. 4933· Senate(119-S-4933)

Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act

A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the 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 from December 8, 1941, to August 15, 1945.

Age: 55 years

New Mexico

Introduced: 6/24/2026
Last activity: 6/24/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Sponsored by: Martin Heinrich
Cosponsors: - 21 - 12

International Affairs

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the "Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor Congressional Gold Medal Act," seeks to award a Congressional Gold Medal collectively to specific individuals from World War II. The intended recipients are those who fought for or with the United States against Imperial Japanese forces in the Pacific theater and became prisoners of war between December 8, 1941, and August 15, 1945. The award recognizes their personal sacrifice and service during the defense of locations like Bataan and Corregidor. Following the award, the gold medal is to be given to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. Additionally, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.

Yes· 3 of 6

Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+8
The bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the personal sacrifice and service of prisoners of war in the Pacific theater.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+6
The bill provides high-level national recognition through a Congressional Gold Medal for veterans who were prisoners of war in the Pacific.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
The bill honors the service of World War II veterans who are now in their senior years.