Bills · HR 4885
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4885Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
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
INTRO AUG 5· LAST ACTION AUG 5
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it represents an official, high-level acknowledgment by the U.S. Congress of the profound suffering endured by enslaved Africans and their descendants, and their indispensable, often overlooked, role in building the American economy. If this bill becomes law, it would permanently enshrine this recognition through a Congressional Gold Medal, a prestigious award reserved for those who have performed distinguished achievements or rendered distinguished service to the nation.
Without this bill, such a collective and posthumous award would not exist, meaning this specific historical contribution and suffering would not receive this particular form of national recognition. It highlights a critical, often painful, chapter of American history and offers a symbolic step towards acknowledging the historical injustices and economic contributions that continue to shape the nation.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Awards a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively and posthumously, to enslaved Africans and their descendants in the U.S. from 1619 to 1865.
This is the central action of the bill, providing official recognition for a historically marginalized group.
PROVISION 02
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the gold medal.
Ensures the physical creation of the award with suitable symbols.
PROVISION 03
Requires the gold medal to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Guarantees public access and permanent commemoration of the medal and its meaning.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes the striking and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to the public, with proceeds covering costs.
Allows the public to own a commemorative item and helps cover the costs of the medals.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Texas
YRS IN OFFICE
21
BILLS LED
53
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAUG 5
Introduced in House
AUG 5
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on House Administration, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4885
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedAug 5, 2025
Last actionAug 5, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · BUDGET COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED AUG 5, 2025
House BillHR 4885Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
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
INTRODUCED AUG 5, 2025· LAST ACTION AUG 5, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
