Bill Overview
Title: First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the First Rhode Island Regiment, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during the Revolutionary War.
Sponsors: Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1]
Target Audience
Population: Members of the First Rhode Island Regiment and their descendants
Estimated Size: 0
- The First Rhode Island Regiment was a historic military unit that served during the American Revolutionary War.
- This regiment was notable for its racial diversity, including African American and Native American soldiers.
- The actual members of the regiment have long since passed away, as the Revolutionary War occurred over two centuries ago.
- The primary impact of awarding a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously would be symbolic and historical, recognizing the contributions of diverse American soldiers in this regiment.
Reasoning
- The First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act primarily serves a symbolic and historical purpose, recognizing the contributions of a racially diverse group of soldiers from the Revolutionary War era.
- The direct impact on the general population is likely limited, given that the regiment members have passed away and the act involves posthumous recognition.
- Descendants of the soldiers may feel a sense of pride and validation in seeing their ancestors publicly honored, which could lead to a small increase in self-reported wellbeing.
- Due to the historical and representative nature of the policy, it is unlikely to have a negative impact on any demographic.
- Considering the budget and reach limits, larger-scale effects on wellbeing metrics across the broader population are not expected.
Simulated Interviews
Historian (Providence, RI)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is an important recognition of a group that has not been fairly acknowledged in our history books.
- It might inspire more interest in diverse historical narratives.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Teacher (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's heartening to see my ancestors' efforts acknowledged at a national level.
- This medal gives a sense of closure and pride to my family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Activist (Boston, MA)
Age: 45 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act represents a small but significant step towards acknowledging the diversity of our country's history.
- Though symbolic, it's important for future discussions on race and history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Veteran (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a valuable recognition for those who served, reflecting our nation's evolving understanding of history.
- It might encourage more inclusive recognition of service across the military.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
College Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This medal opens a dialogue about the overlooked contributions of minorities in historic events.
- It's inspiring for students like me to learn about such recognition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Professor (New York, NY)
Age: 72 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally, this group and their sacrifices are getting recognized—it means a lot academically and personally.
- Hope this encourages further recognition for other overlooked historical figures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Government Employee (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such awards highlight the diverse history of our nation but would have benefitted more from contemporary program enhancements.
- Symbolic gestures are important but should be part of a larger context of reconciliation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Researcher (New Haven, CT)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Symbolic acts such as this can mark a turning point for increasing visibility of minority contributions in history.
- The effects might be limited on broader societal attitudes but still significant within academic circles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Descendant of Native American soldier (Charleston, SC)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This acknowledgment is a proud moment for our family and a long-overdue tribute to my grandfather's legacy.
- It doesn't affect everyday life but it's a matter of heritage and honor for us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Public Historian (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This award is part of an essential ongoing reevaluation of historical narratives.
- It has limited direct impact, but it enriches the educational resources available.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000 (Low: $250000, High: $350000)
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 act aims to recognize historical contributions without financial compensation or ongoing cost implications.
- As a symbol of national recognition, the Medal confers no direct economic or social services on descendants or participants.
- The brevity of the cost impact emphasizes a one-time expense affiliated with recognition efforts rather than ongoing obligations.