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H.R. 1277: First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill, titled the First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act, seeks to honor the First Rhode Island Regiment for their service during the Revolutionary War by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal. Here are the main points of the bill:

Purpose of the Bill

The bill is intended to recognize the dedicated service of the First Rhode Island Regiment, which was notable for including soldiers of African, African American, and Indigenous descent. This unit is particularly recognized for its efforts during key battles in the Revolutionary War, including the Battle of Rhode Island.

Key Findings

The bill outlines several historical findings:

The difficulty that the Continental Army faced in recruiting sufficient soldiers during the winter at Valley Forge.
Rhode Island's obligation to supply troops despite the British occupation of Newport.
The enlistment initiative of February 14, 1778, that allowed for the recruitment of men of color, including enslaved individuals, to serve in the Continental Army.
The significant contributions made by these soldiers in several battles, particularly at Rhode Island, where they held off enemy forces despite suffering losses.
The legacy of these soldiers, who fought for American independence and resisted post-war attempts at re-enslavement.

Award Details

The bill stipulates:

The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make arrangements for the award of a single gold medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment.
The gold medal will be designed and struck by the Secretary of the Treasury, featuring appropriate emblems and inscriptions.
After the award, the medal will be given to the Rhode Island State Library for display and research purposes. Congress expresses its desire for the medal to be made available for display at other relevant locations associated with the Regiment.

Duplicate Medals

The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to create and sell bronze duplicates of the awarded gold medal to cover production costs. The proceeds from these sales will be directed into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Status of the Medals

Medals struck under this Act will be recognized as national medals and are classified as numismatic items under U.S. law.

Funding and Costs

The bill specifies that costs associated with creating the medals will be paid from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. Additionally, revenue from the sale of bronze duplicates will also be allocated to this fund.