Bill Overview
Title: Defenders of Ukraine Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the defenders of Ukraine, collectively, in recognition of their crucial role in the defense of Ukraine against Russia's invasion.
Sponsors: Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: Ukraine's defenders against Russian invasion
Estimated Size: 100
- The bill aims to honor Ukraine's defenders, highlighting their role in the defense against Russia's invasion.
- Recipients are primarily collective, not individuals, thus impacting those involved in defense efforts.
- The award is symbolic, lacking direct material benefits, affecting mostly recognition and morale of involved parties.
- Ukraine's military personnel and civilian defenders are primary target groups.
Reasoning
- The policy inherently affects a very specific group — those involved directly in Ukraine's defense. Since the award is symbolic, it doesn't directly translate into material benefits that impact wellbeing significantly. However, for some individuals, particularly those with personal or familial connections to the Ukrainian defense, the recognition could boost morale and pride, potentially impacting their self-reported wellbeing.
- Given its symbolic nature, the award's influence on the broader US population is likely minimal. It could potentially raise awareness or support for Ukraine, touching people who follow international affairs closely or possess connections to Ukraine.
- For most US citizens, the policy has little direct impact, as they are neither recipients nor directly involved in Ukraine's defense efforts. Therefore, any potential wellbeing change is likely due to indirect influences such as increased awareness or media coverage about Ukraine's situation.
- Interviews cover a range of impacts based on varying degrees of personal connection to Ukraine, empathy, or interest in foreign policy. This ensures a representative sample of the minor impact scope the policy might have in the US population.
Simulated Interviews
Foreign Affairs Analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this is a great gesture of solidarity with Ukraine.
- As someone who's followed the conflict closely, it feels right that the US acknowledges their bravery.
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 |
Financial Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's nice to see recognition given, but it doesn't change much for me personally.
- I hope this encourages more support for Ukraine.
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 |
Teacher (Austin, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.2 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important but feels distant from my daily life.
- I might mention it in a classroom discussion, but otherwise, it's not impactful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software Developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Symbolic awards don't accomplish much in real terms of help.
- The money could maybe be used to support Ukraine in more tangible ways.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Artist (Miami, FL)
Age: 36 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a positive gesture that might raise awareness.
- However, it's not enough to solve the bigger issues.
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 |
Tech Entrepreneur (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.3 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It might boost morale for those close to the issue.
- I'd prefer more tangible support though.
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 |
Veteran (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Honoring fighters of freedom is always commendable.
- I can relate to the recognition aspect, though it's largely ceremonial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Nurse (Boston, MA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.1 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a nice symbolic act but won't impact my life here.
- Such medals are good but more action is needed for Ukraine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Media Producer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Might be a positive point for content creation.
- Real support actions still more impactful than symbolic gestures.
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 |
College Student (Portland, OR)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Happy to see acknowledgment, but think aid would be better.
- It's a small but meaningful gesture for those recognized.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000 (Low: $200000, High: $400000)
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
- This is a symbolic gesture with limited economic effects beyond the initial costs.
- Political implications include bolstering international relations with Ukraine and expressing solidarity.