Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB865

Introduced
2/7/23  

Caption

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

Impact

If enacted, the bill outlines a plan for the gold medal to be presented posthumously to honor the service of African Americans in the Civil War. The medal would be designed by the Secretary of the Treasury, emphasizing suitable emblems and inscriptions, and would subsequently be presented to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. This act represents not only a symbolic gesture of recognition for these individuals but also seeks to educate future generations about their sacrifices and contributions to American history.

Summary

House Bill 865, titled the 'United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act,' seeks to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War. The bill highlights the contributions and sacrifices made by approximately 200,000 African-American men in the Union Army and 19,000 in the Union Navy, recognizing their bravery amidst dangerous circumstances and racial discrimination. It aims to formally acknowledge their role in the preservation of the Union and the advancement of civil rights for African Americans, which had been historically overlooked in national narratives.

Contention

While the bill has the support of various advocates aiming for recognition of marginalized historical narratives, it could encounter resistance based on differing historical interpretations or priorities in commemorating military history. Discussions might arise regarding whether more emphasis should be placed on contemporary issues facing veterans or planning dedicated memorials rather than posthumous awards. Additionally, the financial implications of minting and presenting the gold medal may spark dialogue regarding funding priorities in the government.

Companion Bills

US SB273

Same As United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

Previously Filed As

US SB273

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

US HB1087

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

US SB498

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

US HB3272

WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

US SB1558

WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

US HB1222

Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023

US HB1097

Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023

US HB611

Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act

US HB9386

James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell Congressional Gold Medal Act

US HB973

Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act

Similar Bills

CA AB738

Pupil instruction: Native American studies: model curriculum.

US SR378

A resolution expressing support for the recognition of the week of September 25 through October 1, 2023, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".

US SR845

A resolution expressing support for the recognition of September 23, 2024, to September 29, 2024, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".

US HR1487

Expressing support for the recognition of September 23, 2024, to September 29, 2024, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".

US HR736

Expressing support for the recognition of September 25, 2023, to October 1, 2023, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".

CA AB1554

American Indian education.

CA AB2314

Native American Voting Accessibility Advisory Committee.

NJ S2496

Establishes Office of New Americans in Department of Human Services.