Us Code § 955b - National Medal of Arts

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 955b — National Medal of Arts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 955b. National Medal of Arts

(a) Establishment

There is hereby established a National Medal of Arts, which shall be a medal of such design as is deemed appropriate by the President, on the basis of recommendations submitted by the National Council on the Arts, and which shall be awarded as provided in subsection (b).

(b) Award of Medal; conditions; recipients; presentation ceremonies

(1) The President shall from time to time award the National Medal of Arts, on the basis of recommendations from the National Council on the Arts, to individuals or groups who in the President's judgment are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support, and availability of the arts in the United States.

(2) Not more than twelve of such medals may be awarded in any calendar year.

(3) An individual may be awarded the National Medal of Arts only if at the time such award is made such individual—

(A) is a citizen or other national of the United States; or

(B) is an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who (i) has filed an application or petition for naturalization in the manner prescribed by section 1445 of title 8 and (ii) is not permanently ineligible to become a citizen of the United States.


(4) A group may be awarded the National Medal of Arts only if such group is organized or incorporated in the United States.

(5) The presentation of the National Medal of Arts shall be made by the President with such ceremonies as the President may deem proper, including attendance by appropriate Members of Congress.

(c) Availability of funds

Funds made available to the National Endowment for the Arts shall be used to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 98–306, §13, May 31, 1984, 98 Stat. 225.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act Amendments of 1983, and not as part of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 which comprises this subchapter.

About This Section

20 U.S.C. § 955b is part of Title 20 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 20 U.S.C. § 955b. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 955b

What does United States Code § 955b cover?

Section 955b ("National Medal of Arts") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 955b?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 955b" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 955b apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

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