Bill would honor First Rhode Island Regiment with Congressional Gold Medal

What does this do?

The bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, a Revolutionary War unit that recruited free Black, enslaved, and Indigenous men, with enslaved recruits promised freedom for service. The Treasury Department would design and produce the medal, which would go to the Rhode Island State Library for display and research access, with Congress preferring it also be shown at other historically relevant sites. Treasury could also sell bronze duplicates to the public to cover costs.

Who does it affect?

This affects historians, descendants of regiment members, Rhode Island residents, and those interested in Revolutionary War or Black and Indigenous military history.

Why does it matter?

The bill mainly provides historical recognition and does not create new laws or major spending affecting the general public directly.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Funded via existing Mint account
• Bronze duplicate sales offset cost
• No new taxpayer funds