Gold medal proposed for 55,000 WWII canteen volunteers in Nebraska

Q: What does it cost, and who pays?

The cost of producing the original gold medal would be drawn from the U.S. Mint's existing operating fund, requiring no separate government appropriation. Revenue from sales of bronze copies would also return to that same Mint fund.

Passed one chamberS. 645Latest action Jun 9, 2026

Sponsor: Deb Fischer · Senator · NE

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

Read the official text

Official title: North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act

119th Congress

Topics: Security & foreign affairs

Introduced: February 20, 2025

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

S 645 would award a Congressional Gold Medal to ~55,000 volunteers who ran the North Platte Canteen for free from 1941 to 1946.

55-second read · 5 questions answered below

What does this do?

S 645 would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the volunteers and community members who operated the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, from December 25, 1941, to April 1, 1946. The canteen served free food and hospitality to roughly 6 million U.S. troops passing through by train, with no government funding. The medal would be displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte for public viewing, and bronze copies may be produced and sold.

Who does it affect?

The honor recognizes approximately 55,000 volunteers, mostly women, from communities in Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas. No individuals receive money, and no new programs are created.

Why does it matter?

The medal would formally recognize a specific chapter of American home-front history during World War II. It follows a pattern of Congressional Gold Medals awarded to groups or individuals for notable service or contributions to the country.

What does it cost, and who pays?

Paid from U.S. Mint operating fund
No separate needed
Bronze copy sales return to Mint fund

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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Where does it stand?

IntroducedFeb 20, 2025
Senate committee
Senate vote
HouseYou are here · Jun 9, 2026
The president's desk

Right now: it passed the Senate, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.

Latest action: June 9, 2026 — Held at the desk.

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