Bill Overview
Title: Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Shirley Chisholm, in recognition of her activism, independence, and groundbreaking achievements in politics, election as the first African American woman in Congress, and campaign to be the first African American to gain the nomination of a major political party for President of the United States. Following its award, the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution where it shall be available for display and research.
Sponsors: Rep. Lee, Barbara [D-CA-13]
Target Audience
Population: People inspired by Shirley Chisholm's legacy and those interested in American political history
Estimated Size: 150000000
- The bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm, recognizing her impact on American politics.
- Shirley Chisholm's legacy includes her role as the first African American woman elected to Congress.
- Her campaign as the first African American to seek the presidential nomination from a major party is significant in US political history.
- The medal will be displayed in the Smithsonian, making it accessible to the public for educational and commemorative purposes.
Reasoning
- The majority of the U.S. population will not be directly impacted by the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm, as it is largely symbolic and commemorative.
- The main impact will be on those who are inspired by her legacy in politics, civil rights, and toward females and African American communities who might feel more represented.
- The policy doesn't provide direct material benefits, so its impact is mostly psychological and inspirational, affecting personal wellbeing minimally but positively in a non-tangible way.
- The policy should be seen as part of a broader effort to recognize diverse contributions to society, of which Shirley Chisholm's achievements are a significant part.
- The population distribution is such that experiences with policy impact will vary widely, but only a small subset will see a marked difference in their wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
History Professor (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's wonderful that Shirley Chisholm's contributions are being recognized. She paved the way for so many of us.
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 | 7 |
Political Science Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's inspiring to see political figures like Shirley Chisholm being honored. It gives me hope as a young person interested in politics.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Civil Rights Activist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This recognition is long overdue. Shirley Chisholm's courage and impact are immense.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Museum Curator (Boston, MA)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The medal's placement in the Smithsonian is crucial for educational purposes. It highlights Chisholm's significant role.
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 | 7 |
Retired Teacher (Dallas, TX)
Age: 66 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Honoring Shirley Chisholm is a step in the right direction for recognizing diverse historical figures.
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 |
High School Student (New York, NY)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's exciting to learn about such strong figures in political history. It makes me feel more empowered as a young woman.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, DC)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The symbolic recognition of Chisholm reinforces important historical narratives about diversity and inclusion in politics.
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 |
Community Organizer (Detroit, MI)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Public recognition of leaders like Chisholm helps inspire the community and push for more systemic change.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Attorney (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I view the recognition of Shirley Chisholm as a reaffirmation of the diverse contributions to our nation's 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 | 7 |
Public School Principal (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's vital for our students to see the contributions of leaders like Shirley Chisholm recognized on a national scale.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $40000 (Low: $35000, High: $50000)
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
- Congressional Gold Medals are considered one of the highest civilian awards in the United States, making the act mostly symbolic.
- The bill entails minimal financial cost as it is primarily a ceremonial award.
- The medal will serve as a lasting tribute to Shirley Chisholm's contributions to American society and politics.
- Placement in the Smithsonian ensures public access and educational value.