U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) on Sept. 17 introduced bipartisan legislation that would award the developers of the COVID-19 vaccines the Congressional Gold Medal, bestowed by Congress for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions.
“The pandemic has proven to be one of the greatest challenges our nation has ever faced,” said Rep. Katko. “The individuals who helped develop COVID-19 vaccines that are now saving lives and putting our nation on the road to recovery are well deserving of this high honor.”
If enacted, the COVID-19 Vaccine Developers Gold Medal Act, H.R. 5287, which Rep. Katko cosponsored with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), would award the medal to numerous researchers, including Dr. Stephen Thomas, professor and chief of infectious disease at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University, who led clinical trials for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
“Because of this work, our nation was able to develop safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines in record time,” Rep. Katko said last week.
Companion legislation, S. 2011, was introduced on June 10 by U.S. Sens. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) in their chamber.