U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Representative Mark Takano have introduced a bill to award Fred Korematsu the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously. The legislation acknowledges Korematsu’s contributions to civil rights, his loyalty to the nation, and dedication to justice and equality. The bill is supported by Senator Tammy Duckworth and Representatives Jill Tokuda, Doris Matsui, Vince Fong, Celeste Maloy, and Young Kim.
Senator Hirono stated, “More than 80 years ago, Fred Korematsu stood up for the rights of more than 125,000 Japanese Americans illegally incarcerated during World War II.” She emphasized the importance of recognizing Korematsu’s legacy as a reminder of the need to defend civil liberties.
Congressman Takano noted that Korematsu stood up for Japanese Americans like his parents who were incarcerated under an unlawful executive order. He expressed pride in ensuring that Korematsu’s legacy is remembered: “It is only right I introduce this package on what would be Mr. Korematsu’s 106th birthday.”
Congresswoman Jill Tokuda highlighted that Korematsu’s fight has become a symbol of resistance against racial prejudice across the country.
The proposed legislation also includes a resolution designating January 30th as “Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution.” This day encourages reflection on political leadership and vigilance in protecting justice and civil rights.
In 1942, at age 23, Fred Korematsu was arrested for refusing to enter incarceration camps for Japanese Americans. His conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court but later vacated in 1983. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton in 1998 before passing away in 2005 at age 86.
The Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 has garnered support from several senators including Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker, Catherine Cortez Masto, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Angus King, Amy Klobuchar, Jeff Merkley, Patty Murray, Alex Padilla, Jacky Rosen, Tina Smith, Mark Warner, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Ron Wyden.
The accompanying resolution has similar support with some overlapping sponsors such as Richard Blumenthal and Cory Booker among others.
Senator Hirono first introduced legislation for this recognition in 2019 and has led efforts since 2017 to establish January 30 as “Fred Korematsu Day.”
