Mercury 13 Congressional Gold Medal Act

The Mercury 13 Congressional Gold Medal Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 4682, is a piece of legislation that aims to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Mercury 13 program. The Mercury 13 program was a privately funded project in the early 1960s that tested the capabilities of women to be astronauts. Despite passing the same rigorous tests as the male astronauts in the Mercury 7 program, the women of the Mercury 13 were not allowed to become astronauts due to their gender.

The bill seeks to recognize the contributions and achievements of these women by awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal, which is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. The Mercury 13 Congressional Gold Medal Act has garnered bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties recognizing the importance of honoring these trailblazing women.

If passed, the bill would not only honor the members of the Mercury 13 program for their groundbreaking accomplishments, but also serve as a reminder of the barriers that women have faced in the field of space exploration. The Mercury 13 Congressional Gold Medal Act highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of all individuals, regardless of gender, who have made significant contributions to American history and society.