Wildland firefighters would receive Congressional Gold Medal under Senate bill

What does this do?

S 142 would award the Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters as a group in recognition of their service protecting forests, grasslands, and communities. One gold medal would be designed by the U.S. Treasury Department in cooperation with the National Interagency Fire Center and displayed there for the public. The U.S. Mint would also be authorized to produce and sell bronze copies of the medal at a price covering production costs.

Who does it affect?

The honor would cover wildland firefighters employed by federal agencies including the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service, as well as state, local, and volunteer wildland firefighters. Members of the general public could purchase bronze duplicates from the U.S. Mint.

Why does it matter?

The bill is strictly a recognition measure and does not alter pay, benefits, hiring, or any other policy affecting wildland firefighters. Revenue from bronze medal sales would return to the U.S. Mint's operating fund.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Gold medal funded by U.S. Mint operating fund
• Bronze copies sold at production cost
• No separate taxpayer appropriation needed