First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act
First Rhode Island Regiment: Congressional Gold Medal
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being introduced in the House. It has been sent to the House Committee on Financial Services for review. No further actions are scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
Commemorative bills are popular but require many cosponsors to move forward. This bill has strong initial support from the Rhode Island delegation.
Key Points
- This bill proposes awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment. This unit was unique because it was one of the first in American history where Black, Indigenous, and white soldiers fought side by side.
- In 1778, Rhode Island allowed enslaved men to enlist in this regiment. Those who joined were immediately freed from slavery. Nearly 200 men of African and Indigenous descent joined the unit to fight for American independence.
- The regiment is remembered for its heroic actions at the Battle of Rhode Island, where they held their ground against enemy forces. They served for five years until the end of the war in 1783.
- The gold medal would be kept at the Rhode Island State Library for the public to see. The U.S. Mint would also sell bronze copies of the medal to help pay for the project.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(41)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.