WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S. 284 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-66

Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act

Became lawCongress
IntroducedJan 28, 2025
Passed SenateOct 20, 2025
Passed HouseDec 15, 2025
To PresidentDec 18, 2025
Became lawDec 26, 2025

How this bill changes the law

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S. 284 changed 2 sections of existing law. Read from the bill text in its final form, as sent to the President.

2 U.S.C. 808 Termination

2 U.S.C. 802 Program

  • (a) Establishment, functions, and purposes; nature of awards changed · Sec. 3(1) · see the words
  • (f) Congressional Award Program medals changed · Sec. 3(2) · see the words
What the words changed: every change, in place (3)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what was struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

  1. 2 U.S.C. 808changedby S. 284 Sec. 2(a)

    The Board shall terminate October 1, 2023October 1, 2028.

    The bill says: Section 108 of the Congressional Award Act (2 U.S.C. 808) is amended by striking "October 1, 2023" and inserting "October 1, 2028".

    Bill text · Current law (2 U.S.C. 808)

  2. 2 U.S.C. 802(a)changedby S. 284 Sec. 3(1)

    …people within the United States, aged fourteen through twenty-three (subject to such exceptions as the Board may prescribe), who have satisfied the standards of achievement established by the Board under subsection (b) of this section. Each medal shall consist of gold-plate over bronze, rhodium over bronze, or bronze and shall be struck in accordance with subsection (f).

    The bill says: in subsection (a), by striking "Each medal shall consist of gold-plate over bronze, rhodium over bronze, or bronze and shall be struck in accordance with subsection (f)."; and

    Bill text · Current law (2 U.S.C. 802)

  3. 2 U.S.C. 802(f)(1)changedby S. 284 Sec. 3(2)

    (1) Design and striking. The Secretary of the Treasury shall strike the medals described in subsection (a) and awarded by the Board under this chapter. Subject to subsection (a), theThe medals shall be of such quantity, design, and specifications as the Secretary of the Treasury may determine, after consultation with the Board.

    The bill says: in subsection (f)(1), in the second sentence, by striking "Subject to subsection (a), the" and inserting "The".

    Bill text · Current law (2 U.S.C. 802)

From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, 2024 edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

What it does

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Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act

This act reauthorizes through FY2028 the Congressional Award Board, the board that administers the Congressional Award Program, and modifies program medals.

(The program, established by law in 1979, awards medals to youth ages 14 to 23 who satisfy standards of achievement set by the board. The program aims to promote initiative, achievement, and excellence among youth in the areas of public service, personal development, and physical fitness.)

The act removes a requirement for program medals to consist of gold-plate over bronze, rhodium over bronze, or bronze.

The reauthorization is effective as if enacted on October 1, 2023 (the date on which a prior reauthorization expired).

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Dec 26, 2025).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

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  1. 2025-12-26Became Public Law No: 119-66.Library of Congress
  2. 2025-12-26Signed by President.Library of Congress
  3. 2025-12-18Presented to President.Library of Congress
  4. 2025-12-15Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 370 - 22 (Roll no. 335). Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
  5. 2025-10-20Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
  6. 2025-01-28Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Show all 23 recorded actions

After it became law

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Nothing in the Federal Register names Public Law 119-66 yet (checked Oct 27, 2026). Many laws need no new rules: they set penalties, name a building, or fund something directly.

Recorded votes

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Dec 15, 2025 · House roll call 335 · needed 2/3

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: Passed 370–22

R 176 yes, 22 no, 22 present or not votingD 194 yes, 0 no, 19 present or not voting

How each member voted · Official record

Cosponsors

  • John Barrasso R-WY
  • John W. Hickenlooper D-CO
  • Ben Ray Luján D-NM