S. 645Passed one chamberSecurity & foreign affairs
Gold medal proposed for 55,000 WWII canteen volunteers in Nebraska
Data as of July 11, 2026
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
Decoded
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 appropriation needed
- Bronze copy sales return to Mint fund
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- House — You are here
- President's desk
Right now: it passed the Senate and now goes to the House. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
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Official title
North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Introduced:
- February 20, 2025
- Latest action:
- June 9, 2026
Held at the desk.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.