Bill Overview
Title: Fallen Heroes Flag Reauthorization Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 a program through which a Member of Congress may provide, at no cost, a Capitol-flown flag to commemorate a firefighter, law enforcement officer, or other public safety officer who died in the line of duty if an immediate family member of the deceased requests such a flag.
Sponsors: Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
Target Audience
Population: Immediate family members of fallen public safety officers
Estimated Size: 100000
- The program is aimed at providing a Capitol-flown flag to families of deceased public safety officers.
- The affected individuals are family members of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other public safety officers who died in the line of duty.
- The program operates in the United States, as it is influenced by the U.S. Congress legislation.
Reasoning
- The policy directly targets immediate family members of public safety officers who died in line of duty, estimating a potentially affected group of around 100,000 individuals.
- The budgetary constraints mean that not all affected families might be reached in the initial phase, impacting well-being improvements.
- Consideration of population distribution indicates variation in impact strength based on recent loss, geographic location, and cultural practices surrounding commemoration.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Receiving a flag from the Capitol would be a meaningful gesture that acknowledges my husband's sacrifice.
- It would help in our grieving process, providing some comfort.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Construction worker (Dallas, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a nice gesture but it doesn't change much for our family.
- I suppose it could help his kids to remember their dad's service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Nurse (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Receiving a flag would mean a lot during our upcoming commemorative ceremony.
- It symbolizes the respect and gratitude of the nation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Acknowledgment of his service through this act is a good memory.
- It's a sign that people remember and are thankful for his bravery.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Marketing Specialist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It feels like a small yet important recognition.
- While it doesn't lessen our loss, it's good to know that his work is appreciated by others too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Software Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's nice but doesn't impact our daily life.
- Still, it might bring some comfort on difficult days.
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 |
Graphic Designer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It shows ongoing appreciation and support for families like ours.
- Helps us feel that we're not forgotten as time goes by.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Accountant (Boston, MA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A nice gesture indeed, but the loss remains.
- It would mean a lot during memorial services where we honor him annually.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a significant token of gratitude that feels personal.
- While it can't replace my parent's presence, it is a type of closure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Healthcare Administrator (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Each act of recognition helps with healing.
- I would value this gesture as a reminder of the importance of his work.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000 (Low: $250000, High: $350000)
Year 2: $310000 (Low: $260000, High: $360000)
Year 3: $320000 (Low: $270000, High: $370000)
Year 5: $340000 (Low: $290000, High: $390000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The act reauthorizes an existing program, suggesting continuity rather than new costs.
- Costs are tied to operational expenses of legislative offices for managing flag requests.
- Total lifetime cost for this reauthorization spans over 5 years unless further extended.