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Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act

Floor Speech

Date: Dec. 15, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 284, which is identical to the bill I introduced in the House, H.R. 860, and I urge the House to pass this important bill.

This bill simply reauthorizes the Congressional Award program, Congress' official youth recognition program and the highest honor that Congress can award our Nation's youth.

This program has helped generations of young people set goals, serve others, and push themselves to achieve more. Specifically, young Americans have to set and complete rigorous personal goals focused on volunteer service, personal development, exploration, and physical fitness.

One of my constituents, Caroline Harris, from Greensboro, North Carolina, has spent more than 3 years working toward her goal, earning a Gold Medal at the age of 17. She is one of the youngest to earn the Gold Medal.

Caroline is a very impressive young woman. She spent 400 hours volunteering to help our military families, volunteering with youth in her community, and volunteering with her peers. Caroline completed a physical fitness challenge. She even learned a new language while planning a trip abroad.

In 2025, Caroline joins a long list of impressive young Americans from North Carolina's Ninth District to earn this award. Among them, Amaria Youmans of Fayetteville and Connor Ambrose from Raeford were Bronze Medalists in 2022, and Fred Vinson from Pinehurst was a Bronze Certificate earner in 2024. It is a great honor to represent these hardworking young people.

This bill will ensure the Congressional Award program continues to challenge young Americans like Caroline, Amaria, Connor, and Fred to set goals and dedicate themselves to their community and to their own success and self-improvement.

There are over 48,000 Americans enrolled in this program throughout the country in every single congressional district. These young people give back to their communities and make investments in themselves. It is very important that we reauthorize this successful program so that we can continue to inspire and reward our young Americans and encourage each of them to reach their full potential.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote in support of S. 284.

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