1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

Opposition to H.R. 6959 — Awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to Nick Shirley I am writing to formally oppose H.R. 6959 (119th Congress), introduced on January 7, 2026, which proposes awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to Nick Shirley for what the bill describes as “exemplary investigative journalism” related to alleged waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer funds. Congressional Gold Medals represent the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress and are intended to recognize individuals whose achievements embody integrity, accuracy, service, and a lasting contribution to the nation. This proposed award fails to meet that standard. Nick Shirley is a social media personality whose work is not grounded in established journalistic practices, peer review, or professional accountability. His viral content has been widely criticized for relying on unverified claims, misleading presentations, and selective footage that contributed to public panic, misinformation, and the stigmatization of immigrant and Muslim communities. Subsequent state and federal reviews did not substantiate many of the specific claims made in his videos. Elevating social media virality to the level of Congressional honor sets a dangerous precedent. It signals that inflammatory content, ideological alignment, and fear-based narratives are worthy of national recognition — even when they undermine social cohesion, fuel racism, and erode public trust in democratic institutions. This concern extends beyond H.R. 6959. There is a troubling pattern of efforts to legitimize and reward political influencers and media personalities — including figures such as Charlie Kirk and others — whose platforms consistently promote divisive rhetoric, right-wing propaganda, and hostility toward immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalized communities. These individuals do not advance freedom or democracy; they actively work against them by amplifying fear and resentment for profit and political gain. If Congress seeks to honor Americans, there are countless individuals who are genuinely deserving: • Service members and veterans who put their lives on the line for our country • First responders and public servants who protect our communities • Educators, healthcare workers, and journalists who uphold professional ethics and truth • Civic leaders who strengthen democracy rather than exploit it Congressional honors should reflect our highest values — not reward those who divide the public, spread misinformation, or profit from outrage. I urge you to oppose H.R. 6959 and any similar efforts to politicize Congressional awards or use them to legitimize social media influence at the expense of truth, accountability, and democratic principles. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I expect my elected representatives to defend the integrity of Congressional institutions and the values they are meant to uphold.