H.R.1087 - United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1087, the United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act, seeks to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War. This is in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service. The bill directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange the presentation.
Expected Effects
If passed, this bill would result in the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal by the Secretary of the Treasury. The medal would then be presented to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. Duplicate bronze medals would be made available for sale to the public.
Potential Benefits
- Honors the contributions of approximately 200,000 African-American soldiers and 19,000 sailors who served the Union during the Civil War.
- Recognizes the sacrifices and bravery of African Americans who faced discrimination and the risk of enslavement if captured.
- Highlights the historical significance of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and their role in the Civil War.
- Provides an opportunity for education and remembrance through the display of the medal at the Smithsonian Institution and potentially other locations.
- Affirms the importance of emancipation and citizenship for nearly 4,000,000 enslaved people and the preservation of the Union.
Potential Disadvantages
- The bill involves government expenditure for striking the gold and bronze medals, which could be seen as a minor financial burden.
- The impact is primarily symbolic and may not directly address contemporary issues faced by African Americans.
- There may be debates about the design and representation on the medal, potentially leading to disagreements.
- The bill does not include specific provisions for outreach or educational programs to further promote the history of the USCT beyond the medal display.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the spirit of the Constitution by recognizing and honoring a group of individuals who contributed to the preservation of the Union. While there is no specific constitutional clause mandating such recognition, Congress's power to legislate for the general welfare (Article I, Section 8) can be interpreted to include honoring historical contributions. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, which abolished slavery and granted citizenship and voting rights to African Americans, provide a constitutional context for recognizing the service of African Americans in the Civil War.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).