The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award bestowed by the Legislative Branch of the United States government. The decoration is awarded to any individual who performs an outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the United States of America.
This medal is presented through an act by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress which authorizes the President of the United States to present on behalf of the Congress.Two-Thirds of the House and Senate must pass the legislation. (290 Representatives and 67 Senators)
In addition to the requirement that all Congressional Gold Medal legislation must be cosponsored by at least two-thirds (290) of the Members of the House, specific standards are set forth by Rule VII (c)(vii) of the House Committee on Banking and Financial Service’ Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy when considering such legislation. Additionally, the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee require that at least 67 Senators must cosponsor any Congressional Gold Medal legislation before the committee will consider it.
The Friedlander Group has been involved in actualizing numerous high level awards including leading the entire lobbying process of the awarding Raoul Wallenberg and Israeli President Shimon Peres a Congressional Gold Medal.