1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Aretha Franklin Congressional Gold Medal Act . 2. Findings The Congress finds the following: (1) Aretha Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, and died peacefully at her home in Detroit, Michigan, surrounded by family and loved ones on August 16, 2018. (2) Aretha Franklin’s musical talents have influenced generations of musicians and political leaders, creating a legacy that spans an incredible 6 decades. (3) Aretha Franklin, dubbed the Queen of Soul , was the first woman ever inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, was a 2005 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and was a 1999 recipient of the National Medal of Arts and Humanities Award, among other accolades. (4) Aretha Franklin’s music served as a 1960s call to action that inspired thousands to join civil rights movements and still resonates across these movements today. (5) Aretha Franklin’s contributions go beyond music and arts. (6) Aretha Franklin was also a philanthropist who supported causes that advanced civil rights, human health, and gender equality. (7) Aretha Franklin’s talents instilled hope, uplifted generations, and changed the lives of millions of people across the globe. (8) The City of Detroit shaped Aretha’s life and music, as her father and church introduced her to local Motown artists. (9) In return, Aretha made countless contributions to the City of Detroit, and few people have played a greater role in shaping the Nation’s culturally and socially relevant discography than Aretha Franklin. 3. Congressional Gold Medal (a) Presentation authorized The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design in commemoration of Aretha Franklin, in recognition of her outstanding artistic and historical significance to the culture of the United States. (b) Design and striking For purposes of the presentation