Congress Reauthorizes Congressional Award Program Through 2031
President Trump signed Public Law 119-66, reauthorizing the Congressional Award Program that recognizes young Americans for completing self-directed goals in service, personal development, physical fitness and exploration. The law extends the program's statutory authority for five additional years and requires the Congressional Award Board to submit updated annual reports to Congress.
uctoday.comWASHINGTON, June 10, 2026 — President Trump signed Public Law 119-66, the Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act, on June 10, 2026.
The program, established by Congress in 1979, serves thousands of American youth ages 14 to 23 each year. Participants design and complete individualized goals across four categories: voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition or exploration.
Upon meeting Bronze, Silver and Gold level requirements, medal recipients receive formal recognition from members of Congress.
The statute previously authorized the program through 2026. Public Law 119-66 extends that authority through fiscal year 2031. The reauthorization takes effect immediately upon enactment.
The law requires the Congressional Award Board to continue submitting annual reports to the House and Senate detailing participation numbers, program activities and financial statements. It maintains the existing board structure of Senate- and House-appointed members who oversee the nonprofit foundation that administers the awards.
Downstream, the board must now prepare its next annual report under the extended authority and continue operations without interruption. The five-year window gives the board and participating congressional offices stable planning horizons for recruiting participants, training volunteers and scheduling award ceremonies through September 30, 2031.
Congress will face another reauthorization decision in the 119th or 120th Congress depending on whether future legislation accelerates or delays the new sunset date.
This marks the latest routine reauthorization of the program, which Congress has periodically extended since its original 1979 charter. The underlying bill was H.R. 1089 in the 119th Congress. No roll-call votes against final passage were recorded in the public law documents.
