May 22, 2025

Warren, Merkley, Tokuda Renew Fight to Hold Soldiers Accountable for Wounded Knee Massacre

Legislation would strip Medal of Honor from soldiers who participated in the slaughter of hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children at the Wounded Knee massacre

Text of the Bill (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), along with Congresswoman Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), reintroduced the Remove the Stain Act. The bill would revoke the Medal of Honor from the soldiers who perpetrated the Wounded Knee massacre on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota on December 29, 1890. During the massacre, U.S. soldiers slaughtered hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children—most of them unarmed. Twenty U.S. soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor—the highest military decoration—for their actions at Wounded Knee. 

Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) co-sponsored the bill. 

As the country's highest military honor, the Medal of Honor is awarded in the name of Congress for "gallantry beyond the call of duty." The 101st Congress (1989-1990) adopted a concurrent resolution acknowledging the 100th anniversary of the massacre and "expresse(d) its deep regret on behalf of the United States" for the "terrible tragedy." 

Congress has rescinded Medals of Honor before. The Remove the Stain Act would do the same for perpetrators of the Wounded Knee Massacre, to respect and honor the Lakota men, women, and children who lost their lives, advance justice, and take a step toward righting a profound wrong in our nation's history.

"We cannot be a country that celebrates and rewards horrifying acts of violence against Native people," said Senator Warren. "Congress must recognize how shameful this massacre was and take an important step toward justice for the Lakota people."

“We must acknowledge our history and take concrete steps to right historic wrongs from America’s darkest chapters,” said Senator Merkley. "Moving forward together as a nation demands we remember, reflect on, and work to rectify the abhorrent massacre of hundreds of innocent Lakota men, women, and children at Wounded Knee. This horrific injustice is not deserving of our nation’s highest award for military valor, and our long-overdue bill helps finally set the record straight by revoking these medals.”

“The massacre of hundreds of unarmed Lakota men, women, and children at Wounded Knee was a crime against humanity, and honoring the perpetrators with the Medal of Honor adds insult to that deep wound. The Remove the Stain Act is about facing the truth, no matter how painful,” said Representative Tokuda. “I’m proud to introduce this bill to revoke medals that should never have been given, because healing begins with honesty—and the Lakota people deserve nothing less.” 

Senators Warren and Merkley first introduced the Remove the Stain Act in the 116th Congress, and again in 117th Congress. Former Representatives Denny Heck (D-Wash.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), and Paul Cook (R-Calif.) led the bill in the House in the 116th Congress and Congressman Kaiali'i Kahele (D-Hawaii) led the bill in the 117th Congress.

The Remove the Stain Act is supported by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), the Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT), Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Yankton Sioux Tribe, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe, Shoshone-Paiute Tribe of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, the Native Organizers Alliance, Four Directions, Friends Committee on National Legislation, and the Spotted Elk, Afraid of Hawk, Catches, and LeBeau families  — alongside other stakeholders. It is also supported by coalitions of veterans, including Veterans for Peace, VoteVets, Common Defense, and Veterans for American Ideals.

"For decades, NCAI and Tribal Nations have steadfastly called on Congress to revoke the Medals of Honor awarded to the U.S. 7th Cavalry for their role in the Wounded Knee Massacre. The continued recognition of those responsible for the brutal slaughter of our Lakota relatives—women, children, and elders—remains a shameful stain on our nation's conscience. Our ancestors and their survivors have long awaited justice, and taking action on this issue is long overdue. We are deeply grateful to Senator Warren and Senator Merkley for reintroducing the Remove the Stain Act, a critical step toward condemning the horrific atrocities committed at Wounded Knee. NCAI has and will continue to advocate for the passage and signing into law of this important legislation. We remain committed to working alongside our partners to ensure justice, healing, and reconciliation for all Native American communities affected by this historic injustice,” said the National Congress of American Indians. Read the full letter of support here.

"As President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, I express my Tribal Nation's gratitude to Senator Warren for again reintroducing the Remove the Stain Act. The Act will revoke the Medals of Honor inappropriately awarded to soldiers for slaughtering hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children at the Wounded Knee Massacre.  This bill would not only help recognize a monstrous injustice but also preserve the integrity I and so many others associate with being awarded a Medal of Honor for service to the United States of America," said Frank Star Comes Out, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Read the full letter of support here.

 “My Uncí (grandmother) Marcella LeBeau served as a U.S. Army nurse in World War II at the Battle of the Bulge, she strongly advocated for the Remove the Stain Act to rescind the Wounded Knee Massacre Medals of Honor. She said, ‘there is a pervasive sadness among our Lakota People due to the tragic loss of our Relatives at Wounded Knee. 

The Remove the Stain Act takes the significant step of revoking Medals of Honor that were unjustly awarded to U.S. soldiers who murdered over 350 children, women and men at the Wounded Knee Massacre. We commend Senator Warren and Senator Merkley’s leadership and commitment to ensuring that the wrongs of the past are acknowledged and addressed,” said Ryman LeBeau, Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Read the full letter of support here. 

"December 29, 2025, will mark 135 years since the Wounded Knee Massacre, when historians estimate that members of the U.S. Army 7th Cavalry Regiment killed at least 150 women and children — some estimates go even higher. In 1990, to commemorate one hundred years since the massacre, the 101st Congress passed a concurrent resolution describing the victims murdered and wounded as ‘tragic death and injury,’ going on to express ‘... its deep regret on behalf of the  United States to the descendants of the victims and survivors and their respective tribal communities…’ I was angered but, unfortunately, not surprised that soldiers received awards for their role in the atrocities. I am outraged that, despite our government's explicit recognition of the crimes, those who refuse to face the ugly and racist parts of U.S. history prevail. It is past time for acknowledgement and accountability. Revoke the awards now,” said Michael T. McPhearson, U.S. Army Captain Combat Veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, with Veterans for Peace. 

“I support the Remove the Stain Act as a critical step toward justice for the victims of the Wounded Knee Massacre and their descendants. Rescinding these Medals of Honor will restore the integrity of this prestigious award and honor the truth of our nation’s history. This legislation is a necessary measure to acknowledge historical injustices, promote healing for Native American communities, and demonstrate a commitment to equity and reconciliation,” said Chairman Garret Renville of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe.  

“As direct blood descendants of several ancestors, including the leader, Chief Spotted Elk, a Minneconjou treaty signer, we strongly support the Remove the Stain Act. Our ancestors were killed in one of the largest and most notorious massacres in history, and the Medals of Honor awarded to the soldiers responsible for their deaths continue to dishonor their memory. It is well-documented that the soldiers deliberately targeted women and children with cannons, killing innocents and even their own men in the chaos. Our people, unaware of their fate that day, were brutally massacred, and this alone is reason enough to rescind the medals. For the Spotted Elk Tiospaye, the Medals of Honor symbolize not only the massacre but also the erasure of our ancestors' dignity and legacy. Rescinding them is a critical step in correcting history and ensuring that our ancestors, Spotted Elk and Flying Horse, and the others are remembered as leaders, not as casualties of a government that celebrated their killers. Spotted Elk’s photograph, taken after his death, where he is frozen in the snow, has become a grim icon. Yet, to this day, no meaningful effort has been made to correct the errors surrounding his true name or history. He continues to be confused with an Oglala sub-chief who died nine years after the Wounded Knee Massacre. This long-standing confusion compounds the burden and grief we carry as direct descendants, dividing our people and perpetuating false narratives that tragically impact families in ways too painful to fully express here. We are grateful for your work on the Remove the Stain Act to rescind the medals and ask for your continued assistance in correcting this grave injustice. We stand with you in supporting the removal of these Medals as a necessary step toward healing and justice, and we deeply appreciate your leadership in making this long-overdue change possible,” said Calvin and Michelle Spotted Elk of the Spotted Elk Family. Read the full letter of support here.

“I am the living Descendant of my Grandfather Richard Afraid of Hawk/Cetan Kokipa, who was one of the 1890 Wounded Knee Descendant Survivor. At the age of 16/17 years of age. The tragedy of the massacre of Uphan Gleska/Spotted Elk/Big Foots Band. From Our Homelands of the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. Was a planned attack directed by Colonel James Forsyth. And his 7th Calvary Unit. A senseless act of cowardice. To this day the unjust wrong done by the US Government/7th Calvary. Can be felt the heavy sadness. Upon the living Descendants. The removal of the Medals of Honor will be righteous and just cause. As this was indeed a Massacre done to our Relatives. So that the grieving and healing process will begin. As a Lakota Nation as a whole. Thank you/Pilamaye for your passion and hard work. To correct the wrong of Our Relatives,” said Marlis Afraid of Hawk of the Afraid of Hawk Family. 

“As Co-Executive Directors of Four Directions Native Vote Barb & I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley and Representative Jill Tokuda for reintroducing the Remove the Stain Act. We and the descendants continue to think of our relatives who faced a terrible massacre at Wounded Knee. We must show the World these types of actions are not condoned and this legislation will start a healing process for the people and Nations,” said OJ and Barb Semans of Four Directions Native Vote. Read the full letter of support here.

“As Chairman of the Coalition of Large Tribes and Chairman of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, I want to express my gratitude on behalf of COLT and SWO to Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeff Merkley and Representative Jill Tokuda for reintroducing the Remove the Stain Act in the 119 Congress. The Oglala, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes as well as the 7 other Tribes in South Dakota all have Wounded Knee Descendants within our territories and the passage of this bill will create healing for the Descendants and our Nation,” said J. Garret Renville, Chairman Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT). 

“Rescinding these Medals of Honor – awarded for actions that embody dishonor – is essential to maintaining the distinction of our nation’s highest military award. Those who have been earned the Medal of Honor for true acts of valor in the course of their military service should not be in the same company as the twenty individuals awarded for participation in the Wounded Knee Massacre. It’s long past time for Congress to act and rescind those Medals. We applaud Senator Warren’s leadership and encourage every Member to join her in this effort,” said Mary Kaszynski, VoteVets Director of Government Relations. 

“History lives and breathes in the stories we tell and is buried by those we ignore. The Wounded Knee Massacre is a story we cannot forget. It was not an act of bravery but a brutal attempt to erase the Lakota people from their land. And yet, rather than mourning the over 300 lives lost, we rewarded the very hands that pulled the triggers with Medals of Honor. The Remove the Stain Act is not about rewriting history—it is about recognizing the truth and acknowledging our rights, as Native peoples, to live freely in our homelands. The Native Organizers Alliance stands with the Tribal Nations and leaders in demanding justice. The revocation of these medals will not undo the tragedy of Wounded Knee, but it will be a step toward telling the truth about what happened that day. It is time for Congress to act, not out of favor, but out of respect for the Lakota people and the truth,” said Tre Nez, Director of Policy at the Native Organizers Alliance. 

Additional letters of support for the Remove the Stain Act are available from the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association, Inc., Shoshone-Paiute Tribe of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, and a Descendant of the Wounded Knee Massacre Violet Catches.

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