First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill would award a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment to honor their service in the Revolutionary War. The regiment included Black, Indigenous, and European American soldiers who fought bravely, including at the Battle of Rhode Island. After the medal is awarded, it would be kept at the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research, with encouragement to share it at other places tied to the regiment’s history.

Key points:

• Who is recognized: The First Rhode Island Regiment for their dedicated service in the Revolutionary War.
• What changes: The U.S. Mint would make the gold medal and may sell bronze copies to cover costs; the medal is treated as a national medal and a numismatic item; sale proceeds go to the Mint’s fund.
• Where the medal goes: The Rhode Island State Library, with availability for research and potential displays at other appropriate sites.