H.R. 4885: The original legislation awarding a historic Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to Africans and their descendants enslaved within our country from August 20, 1619, to December 6, 1865

This bill, known as H.R. 4885, seeks to posthumously recognize and honor Africans and their descendants who were enslaved in the United States from August 20, 1619, until December 6, 1865, by awarding them a Congressional Gold Medal. Here are the main points of the bill:

Legislative Purpose

The bill aims to acknowledge the severe injustices and contributions of enslaved Africans and their descendants to the foundation of the United States, which includes their significant role in the economic development of the nation.

Findings Section

The bill contains a findings section that highlights several historical points:

• Human trafficking from Africa led to the enslavement of millions.
• The conditions during the transatlantic journey were inhumane, with individuals often chained and in cramped quarters.
• Upon arriving in North America, enslaved individuals were forced into labor, primarily on plantations growing cash crops such as cotton, tobacco, and sugar.
• Slavery persisted through the history of the United States, influencing its economy significantly.
• Enslaved labor contributed to creating many prominent American buildings and institutions.
• The estimated economic value of enslaved labor is between $5.9 trillion and $14.2 trillion in 2009 dollars.
• The societal impacts of slavery included deep divisions and conflicts, which contributed to the Civil War.
• Measures like the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment were pivotal in abolishing slavery but the legacy of slavery persists.

Award of the Gold Medal

The bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to honor enslaved Africans. The design of the medal will be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.

Display and Research

Once awarded, the gold medal will be handed over to the Smithsonian Institution, specifically for display at the National Museum of African-American History and Culture and will be available for research purposes.

Duplicate Medals

The bill allows for the creation of bronze duplicates of the gold medal. These duplicates can be sold to cover the production costs. Proceeds from these sales will be deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Status of Medals

The gold medal created under this bill will be recognized as a national medal, implying its significance and value in recognizing national history.

Budgetary Considerations

The bill includes provisions for determining its budgetary effects with regard to compliance with existing budget rules, specifically referencing the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.

Relevant Companies

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