United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

House Bill

H.R. 1087

119th Congress

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 6, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Eleanor Holmes Norton

Representative

Democratic

DC-0

Cosponsors

6

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

This bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War, recognizing their bravery and outstanding service. Approximately 180,000 Black soldiers served in the United States Colored Troops, playing a crucial role in the Unions victory and the end of slavery.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War, recognizing their bravery and outstanding service. Approximately 180,000 Black soldiers served in the United States Colored Troops, playing a crucial role in the Unions victory and the end of slavery.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to the African Americans who served with Union forces in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service during the Civil War.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Awards Congressional Gold Medal to U.S. Colored Troops
Recognizes African American Civil War soldiers
Honors approximately 180,000 Black Union soldiers
Posthumous recognition for bravery and service
Acknowledges contribution to Union victory
Commemorates role in ending slavery

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill provides long-overdue recognition for the approximately 180,000 African Americans who served in the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War. These soldiers fought despite facing discrimination, unequal pay, and the threat of execution if captured by Confederate forces. The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress highest honor and this recognition acknowledges their essential contribution to preserving the Union and ending slavery, a sacrifice that helped transform American society.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Conflicts and wars

Congressional tributes

Military history

Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers

Racial and ethnic relations

Smithsonian Institution

U.S. history

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

1087, 119th Congress (2025). "United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1087