Bill Overview
Title: Benjamin Berell Ferencz Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Berell Ferencz in recognition of his service to the United States and the international community during the post-World War II Nuremberg trials and his lifelong advocacy for international criminal justice and the rule of law.
Sponsors: Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-21]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by the awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Berell Ferencz
Estimated Size: 0
- The bill directly awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Berell Ferencz, recognizing his contributions.
- Congressional Gold Medals are symbolic and do not provide financial or legislative changes to the populace.
- The award highlights Ferencz's role in international criminal justice, which may renew public interest in this field and contribute to educational and advocacy efforts globally.
Reasoning
- The policy of awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Ferencz is symbolic and recognizes his significant contributions to international justice. Therefore, the direct impact on individual wellbeing is expected to be minimal. However, it may inspire some professionals and students in related fields.
- Individuals heavily involved in law, history, or international justice might gain a sense of inspiration or renewed commitment to their work. This is the primary indirect impact envisioned by this bill.
- Due to its symbolic nature, the policy's overall impact on the wider U.S. population's wellbeing is low, with most people likely to experience no direct change in their personal wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
International Law Professor (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The recognition of Ferencz is an important reminder of the foundations of international law.
- Although symbolic, this award will help inspire students to pursue justice on a global scale.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Human Rights Activist (New York, NY)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This medal should inspire more attention to international justice issues.
- Ferencz's recognition could mobilize more people in the field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Government Official (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 57 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognizing Ferencz aligns with our nation's principles of justice and accountability.
- I hope this also promotes education around international laws.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Law Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such honors are pivotal in shaping our view on career paths.
- It may spark more interest in international legal systems among my peers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
History Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Awards like these help integrate important historical lessons into academic curriculums.
- I will use this recognition to discuss broader themes of justice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Journalist (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ferencz's achievements deserve wider public knowledge.
- This medal will likely generate stories and public interest in international justice topics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Judge (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A reminder of the evolution of legal systems through advocates like Ferencz.
- This award should be viewed as a call to action for continued legal advocacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Software Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Respectful of such recognitions, but unsure how it impacts me personally.
- Interesting to learn about dedicated figures like Ferencz.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
CEO of a Non-profit on Legal Education (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This award reinforces the principles we teach about justice.
- We may see increased interest in our programs following this recognition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
High School History Teacher (Denver, CO)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The medal could help students connect more with history lessons.
- I plan to use Ferencz's story as an educational tool.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000 (Low: $20000, High: $50000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The policy is primarily symbolic and does not entail significant financial obligations.
- There are minimal logistical and production costs related to the medal.