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United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

USA119th CongressS-498| Senate 
| Updated: 2/10/2025
Cory A. Booker

Cory A. Booker

Democratic Senator

New Jersey

Cosponsors (3)
Edward J. Markey (Democratic)Tim Kaine (Democratic)Andy Kim (Democratic)

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act , mandates the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War. This prestigious award recognizes their exceptional bravery, outstanding service, and profound contributions to the grant of emancipation and the preservation of the Union. The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate are tasked with arranging the presentation of this significant medal. The bill highlights that approximately 200,000 African American men served in the Union Army (forming the United States Colored Troops or USCT) and 19,000 in the Union Navy, with women also serving in vital support roles. Their service was marked by distinction, honor, and bravery despite facing severe racial discrimination and the risk of enslavement if captured. The legislation notes that 26 Medals of Honor were awarded to these service members. Following its presentation, the gold medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a congressional sense that it should also be displayed at locations associated with the USCT. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal to the public.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-3702
United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-273
United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act
Feb 6, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-1087
Introduced in House
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Feb 10, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-3702
    United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-273
    United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • February 6, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-1087
    Introduced in House


  • February 10, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 10, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • HR 119-1087: United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act
Conflicts and warsCongressional tributesMilitary historyMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centersRacial and ethnic relationsSmithsonian InstitutionU.S. history

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

USA119th CongressS-498| Senate 
| Updated: 2/10/2025
This bill, known as the United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act , mandates the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War. This prestigious award recognizes their exceptional bravery, outstanding service, and profound contributions to the grant of emancipation and the preservation of the Union. The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate are tasked with arranging the presentation of this significant medal. The bill highlights that approximately 200,000 African American men served in the Union Army (forming the United States Colored Troops or USCT) and 19,000 in the Union Navy, with women also serving in vital support roles. Their service was marked by distinction, honor, and bravery despite facing severe racial discrimination and the risk of enslavement if captured. The legislation notes that 26 Medals of Honor were awarded to these service members. Following its presentation, the gold medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a congressional sense that it should also be displayed at locations associated with the USCT. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal to the public.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-3702
United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-273
United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act
Feb 6, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-1087
Introduced in House
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Feb 10, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-3702
    United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-273
    United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • February 6, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-1087
    Introduced in House


  • February 10, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • February 10, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Cory A. Booker

Cory A. Booker

Democratic Senator

New Jersey

Cosponsors (3)
Edward J. Markey (Democratic)Tim Kaine (Democratic)Andy Kim (Democratic)

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • HR 119-1087: United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Conflicts and warsCongressional tributesMilitary historyMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centersRacial and ethnic relationsSmithsonian InstitutionU.S. history