Bill > S2487

This bill seeks to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Buffalo Soldier regiments, which were all-Black cavalry and infantry units authorized by Congress in 1866 and active until the Army's desegregation in 1951. The bill details the historical significance of these regiments, highlighting their service in various conflicts including the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, while acknowledging the discrimination they faced. The Buffalo Soldiers, named for their dark, curly hair that reminded Native Americans of buffalo coats, served with distinction in multiple roles, including protecting frontier posts, maintaining security, and serving as park rangers in national parks. The bill mandates that the gold medal will be designed by the Secretary of the Treasury and subsequently displayed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with the intent of recognizing their superior service and contribution to military inclusivity. Additionally, the bill allows for the creation and sale of duplicate bronze medals, with proceeds going to the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. The legislation comes at a poignant time, shortly after the passing of Reverend Robert W. Dixon Sr., who was the last known living member of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, and aims to shed light on the instrumental role these soldiers played in United States military history.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2487/all-info