United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

Senate Bill

S. 498

119th Congress

United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 10, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Cory Anthony Booker

Senator

Democratic

NJ

Cosponsors

3

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

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

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

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

Last updated: 1/5/2026

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 USCT
Honors African American Civil War soldiers
Recognizes bravery and service
Posthumous collective recognition
Commemorates Union force contributions

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

The sacrifice of African American Civil War soldiers receives the highest congressional honor. Their contributions to preserving the Union are permanently commemorated. Descendants and African American communities see their ancestors honored.

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

498, 119th Congress (2025). "United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-498