Bill Overview
Title: United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the African Americans who served with Union forces in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service during the Civil War.
Sponsors: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: People aware and impacted by African American recognition during the Civil War
Estimated Size: 20000000
- The bill honors African Americans who served in the Union forces during the Civil War, roughly between 1862-1865.
- It directly impacts descendants and families of the United States Colored Troops (USCT).
- The recognition could have national significance, increasing awareness of African American contributions to the Civil War.
- The official recognition might enhance historical education and resources covering the USCT in educational institutions.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily honors past African American soldiers, but can have a broader educational and cultural impact.
- Direct economic impact on individuals is likely low, but cultural appreciation and historical correction could be significant for some.
- The budget is limited, thus direct outreach will be restricted, but long-term acknowledgment might create intangible benefits.
- Estimate of 20 million Americans interested suggests impact spreads beyond direct descendants, educating the general public.
- Includes perspectives of descendants, educators, and Civil War enthusiasts for a varied view of influence.
Simulated Interviews
Retired History Teacher (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This recognition is long overdue and provides a sense of pride for me and my family.
- It may encourage more people to explore the contributions of African Americans in history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Museum Curator (New York, New York)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This medal can increase museum visitors interested in Civil War history.
- It provides a needed update to our exhibits on African American contributions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Civil War Reenactor (Springfield, Illinois)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could attract more attention and support for reenactments focusing on African American soldiers.
- Recognition will educate the public about the diversity of Union forces.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
High School History Teacher (Richmond, Virginia)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The medal adds depth to Civil War stories taught in schools.
- It will help engage students by showing real contributions of diverse groups.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While ceremonial, this medal could foster better cultural policies reflecting equal recognition.
- It will likely stir interest in historical corrections and inclusion of African Americans.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Graduate History Student (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This recognition supports my field of study and could inspire more research on the USCT.
- The acknowledgment aids in accurately telling the stories of African American soldiers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Community Organizer (Houston, Texas)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This medal will enhance local pride and awareness of our historical contributions.
- It's important for young people to see these recognitions and feel valued.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Veteran (Dallas, Texas)
Age: 77 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm proud of this recognition, as it acknowledges our sacrifices and contributions.
- While my direct connection is small, it feels validating.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
School Principal (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could facilitate updated curriculum materials featuring underrepresented groups.
- Recognition like this reinforces the value of diversity in our history lessons.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Civil Rights Lawyer (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The medal is an important symbolic gesture towards acknowledging African American history.
- It aligns with the broader civil rights mission for equality and recognition of all contributions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000 (Low: $30000, High: $300000)
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 overall cost is largely determined by the quality and design of the Gold Medal and the ceremony associated with its award.
- There is potential for educational benefits that could promote broader historical understanding.
- The symbolic value is significant, recognizing African American contributions during a critical historical period.