First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1277
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T08:09:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act," aims to honor the First Rhode Island Regiment for their service in the Revolutionary War (1775–1783). The regiment was one of the first integrated units in U.S. history, including soldiers of African, Indigenous, and European descent, many of whom were formerly enslaved and gained freedom through enlistment. The act recognizes their bravery, particularly in battles like the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778, and their role in the fight for American independence.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Outlines historical context, including recruitment challenges during the Revolutionary War, Rhode Island's decision in 1778 to enlist enslaved Black, mixed-race, and Indigenous men (granting them immediate freedom upon enlistment), the formation of the regiment with nearly 200 such soldiers under leaders like Colonel Christopher Greene, their heroic actions in key battles, and post-war struggles like resisting re-enslavement. It lists specific soldiers by name from historical records.
- Award of the Medal: Authorizes Congress to award a single gold medal to the regiment collectively. The Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate arrange the presentation. The Secretary of the Treasury designs and strikes the medal with appropriate symbols and inscriptions.
- Placement and Display: After the award, the gold medal is given to the Rhode Island State Library for display and research. Congress expresses a preference for it to also be shown at other sites linked to the regiment's history.
- Duplicate Medals: Allows the Treasury to produce and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal, priced to cover production costs (including labor, materials, and overhead).
- Legal Status and Funding: Treats the medals as "national medals" under U.S. law (for official recognition) and "numismatic items" (collectible coins or medals). Funds the striking from the U.S. Mint's public enterprise fund, with sales proceeds deposited back into that fund.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act introduces no major alterations to current laws but adds a new ceremonial measure under the framework for Congressional Gold Medals (established by precedent and 31 U.S.C. Chapter 51). It expands the list of honored Revolutionary War units by recognizing this diverse regiment, building on prior medals awarded to other historical groups without amending broader statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Mint and Treasury Department will incur minor costs for designing, striking, and selling medals, offset by sales revenue. Congress handles ceremonial arrangements, promoting historical education.
- Citizens: Provides symbolic recognition that could educate the public on underrepresented contributions to U.S. history, fostering pride among descendants of the soldiers and communities of color. Bronze duplicates may appeal to collectors and history enthusiasts.
- International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic historical honor with no foreign policy elements.
- Broader Effects: Encourages preservation of Revolutionary War history at state institutions like the Rhode Island State Library, potentially increasing tourism or educational programs at related sites.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Historical and Cultural Institutions: Rhode Island State Library (receives and displays the medal); Rhode Island historical archives and sites tied to the regiment.
- Government Entities: U.S. Congress (initiates and awards the medal); U.S. Department of the Treasury and U.S. Mint (design, production, and sales).
- Communities and Individuals: Descendants of the First Rhode Island Regiment soldiers; African American, Indigenous, and Rhode Island communities, who gain formal acknowledgment of their ancestors' roles in founding the nation.
- General Public: History educators, researchers, and collectors benefiting from increased visibility of diverse military contributions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Aligns with Congress's constitutional power (Article I, Section 8) to recognize military service through medals, with no enforcement mechanisms or rights implications. The act's funding uses existing Mint resources, avoiding new appropriations.
- Constitutional: Reinforces the government's role in honoring national history without infringing on individual rights; the freedom granted to enslaved soldiers upon enlistment underscores early anti-slavery precedents in military service.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from multiple House members) highlights non-partisan recognition of historical diversity. It may spark discussions on racial inclusion in early America, promoting equity in historical narratives without controversy, as it's purely commemorative.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (54)
Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Clyburn, James E. [D-SC-6], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Turner, Sylvester [D-TX-18], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7] and 4 more
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-13: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (7 pages)