Bill Summary
The "Frank Siller Congressional Gold Medal Act" is a proposed legislation that would award a Congressional Gold Medal to Frank Siller in recognition of his significant contributions to honoring the memory of those who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, as well as his ongoing support for affected families and advocacy for first responders and military personnel.
Key provisions of the bill include:
1. **Recognition of Heroism**: The act highlights the heroic actions of Frank Siller's brother, firefighter Stephen Siller, who died in the line of duty on 9/11, and honors Frank Siller's efforts through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports first responders, veterans, and their families.
2. **Gold Medal Presentation**: The bill authorizes the presentation of a gold medal, designed by the Secretary of the Treasury, to Frank Siller as a tribute to his leadership and community service.
3. **Duplicate Medals**: It allows for the production and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal, with proceeds going to the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
4. **Status of Medals**: The medals will be classified as national medals and numismatic items under U.S. law.
Overall, the legislation recognizes Frank Siller’s commitment to service and remembrance, fostering a spirit of patriotism and community support in the wake of national tragedy.
Possible Impacts
The "Frank Siller Congressional Gold Medal Act" could affect people in several ways, including:
1. **Support for First Responders and Veterans**: The legislation highlights Frank Siller's efforts through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to assist families of fallen first responders and veterans. This support can provide financial relief (e.g., mortgage payments for families of fallen heroes) and housing solutions for injured veterans and homeless individuals, directly benefiting those who have served or been impacted by acts of heroism.
2. **National Remembrance and Unity**: The awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal serves as a national recognition of the sacrifices made during the 9/11 attacks and the ongoing contributions of individuals like Frank Siller. This act of remembrance can foster a sense of unity and patriotism among citizens, encouraging them to engage in community service and support causes related to first responders and military personnel.
3. **Cultural and Historical Significance**: The creation of a gold medal commemorating Frank Siller and the events of 9/11 contributes to the preservation of historical memory. It serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made during that tragic day, impacting education and awareness efforts in schools and communities, ensuring that future generations understand the importance of heroism and service to the country.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7175 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7175
To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Frank Siller, in recognition of
his contributions to memorialize all who lost their lives in the tragic
events of 9/11, his efforts to support affected loved ones, and his
enduring advocacy to serve those who serve their country.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 21, 2026
Mr. Dunn of Florida (for himself, Mr. Fleischmann, Mr. Carter of
Georgia, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Meuser, Mr. Edwards, Ms. Salazar, and Mr.
Rutherford) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Financial Services
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Frank Siller, in recognition of
his contributions to memorialize all who lost their lives in the tragic
events of 9/11, his efforts to support affected loved ones, and his
enduring advocacy to serve those who serve their country.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Frank Siller Congressional Gold
Medal Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) On September 11, 2001, firefighter Stephen Siller, of
Squad 1, Brooklyn, lost his life after running through the
Brooklyn Battery Tunnel with 60 pounds of gear to reach the
Twin Towers in response to the terrorist attacks.
(2) In honor of his brother's sacrifice, Frank Siller
founded the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, dedicated to
supporting America's first responders, military service
members, and their families.
(3) Under Frank Siller's leadership, the Foundation has--
(A) paid off mortgages for families of fallen first
responders and Gold Star families;
(B) built homes for injured veterans;
(C) provided housing assistance and support to
homeless veterans; and
(D) expanded national programs ensuring that the
sacrifices of heroes are never forgotten.
(4) In 2021, Frank Siller completed a 255-mile ``Never
Forget Walk'' from the Pentagon to Shanksville, Pennsylvania,
to Ground Zero, honoring the 20th anniversary of the September
11 attacks and reaffirming the Nation's commitment to ``Do
Good''.
(5) Through his vision and leadership, Frank Siller has
united millions of Americans in service, gratitude, and
remembrance, continuing to embody the best ideals of
patriotism, compassion, and community.
SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Presentation Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of
Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make
appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of the
Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design in commemoration to
Frank Siller, in recognition of his contributions to memorialize all
who lost their lives in the tragic events of 9/11, his efforts to
support affected loved ones, and his enduring advocacy to serve those
who serve their country.
(b) Design and Striking.--For purposes of the presentation referred
to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (referred to in
this Act as the ``Secretary'') shall strike a gold medal with suitable
emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary.
SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold
medal struck pursuant to section 3 under such regulations as the
Secretary may prescribe, at a price sufficient to cover the cost
thereof, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and
overhead expenses.
SEC. 5. STATUS OF MEDALS.
(a) National Medals.--The medals struck pursuant to this Act are
national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States
Code.
(b) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of sections 5134 and 5136 of
title 31, United States Code, all medals struck under this Act shall be
considered to be numismatic items.
SEC. 6. AUTHORITY TO USE FUND AMOUNTS; PROCEEDS OF SALE.
(a) Authority To Use Fund Amounts.--There is authorized to be
charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund such
amounts as may be necessary to pay for the costs of the medals struck
pursuant to this Act.
(b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sale of duplicate
bronze medals authorized under this Act shall be deposited into the
United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
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