Bill Overview
Title: USS Frank E. Evans Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Defense to authorize inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in the District of Columbia of the names of the 74 crew members of the USS Frank E. Evans killed on June 3, 1969.
Sponsors: Rep. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA-28]
Target Audience
Population: Families and descendants of the 74 crew members of USS Frank E. Evans
Estimated Size: 450
- The bill concerns the inclusion of names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
- The specific group affected are the families and descendants of the 74 crew members of the USS Frank E. Evans.
- The USS Frank E. Evans was a U.S. Navy destroyer involved in a collision in 1969.
- The act primarily impacts those who are directly related to the deceased crew members.
- The broader group could include veterans and military historians who see the inclusion as a matter of historical and military legacy.
Reasoning
- The USS Frank E. Evans Act directly impacts a small and specific group: the families and descendants of the 74 sailors killed in the tragedy. Given the uniqueness of this event and the passage of time since 1969, the directly affected population is limited.
- The emotional and symbolic importance of having their relatives' names included on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is significant for these families. It provides a form of recognition and closure which could notably enhance their sense of wellbeing.
- The budget constraint of $75,000 initially and over ten years is manageable given that the primary costs are likely related to the administrative and commemorative activities surrounding the inclusion of the names.
- The broader indirect impact on the general public and military veterans may foster a sense of historical rectification which is important for collective military history and morale, although it does not directly affect individual wellbeing scores of those not related to the crew.
- This population is not highly visible or large, limiting widespread public interaction or debates over the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Retired (California)
Age: 73 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have waited decades for my father's sacrifice to be recognized appropriately.
- This policy is a step towards the healing of my family and preserving the honor of these sailors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Engineer (Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The recognition means a lot to our family, it's not just about history, it's about dignity.
- Finally, my father's sacrifice won't be overlooked.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Teacher (Florida)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's painful that it took so long, but having my brother's name added will help our family heal.
- This action will correct a historical oversight.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Veteran Affairs Counselor (Virginia)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone who works with veterans, it's important that military service is honored correctly.
- This act will positively influence how younger generations view military history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired Navy Captain (New York)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Honoring my fallen colleagues in such a manner is long overdue.
- Our military history should reflect the sacrifices made by all.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Nurse (Illinois)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My husband deserves to be honored along with all other Vietnam veterans.
- This is more than just a gesture; it’s about restoring his legacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Retired Historian (Ohio)
Age: 88 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important for historical accuracy and integrity that these sailors are acknowledged.
- This policy helps complete the narrative of U.S. military history.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Lawyer (Arizona)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Including these names highlights the government's commitment to honor all sacrifices.
- It boosts my confidence in the respect shown to military service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Psychologist (Massachusetts)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the psychological benefits this recognition can provide to families of the deceased.
- This is about moral rectification as much as it is about historical accuracy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Military Historian (New Jersey)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This inclusion is essential for the complete portrayal of naval history.
- It ensures history acknowledges those who were omitted unfairly.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $75000 (Low: $50000, High: $100000)
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 cost estimated covers the administrative and physical cost of adding names to the memorial.
- There are no expected savings or changes in government revenue attributed to this bill.
- Social, cultural, and emotional impacts are considerable even though fiscal impacts are minimal.
- The project will not have a recurring cost.