Bill Overview
Title: United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
Sponsors: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Target Audience
Population: U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of World War II
Estimated Size: 1000
- The Congressional Gold Medal is a symbolic honor and does not imply any direct legislative changes that affect a broad population.
- The population directly targeted are the U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of World War II, many of whom are deceased due to the time that has passed since the end of World War II.
- There will be some indirect impact on surviving family members of these veterans, who may feel honored or gain a sense of closure from this recognition.
- The number of living World War II veterans is significantly dwindling, presently around 167,000, but only a fraction of these served as Army Rangers.
Reasoning
- The policy is largely symbolic, impacting a very specific group of individuals who served as U.S. Army Rangers during World War II.
- The medal itself carries no financial reward or benefits, meaning the direct practical impact on individuals' lives is limited.
- Living members of the WW2 Army Rangers are very few, thus most impacts will be emotional or honorific for families.
- Budget considerations for the policy implementation are minimal due to its symbolic nature, requiring funds primarily for the production of the medals and possible ceremonies.
Simulated Interviews
Retired (Florida)
Age: 96 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am grateful to see my service recognized after all these years.
- Receiving this medal makes me proud and gives me a sense of closure.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Homemaker (Ohio)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel touched and proud that my father's service is being recognized.
- It's a reminder of the sacrifices made, though it would have meant more if he were still alive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Teacher (California)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's an important recognition but doesn't have much impact on my daily life.
- I'm glad my grandfather's contributions are honored.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired engineer (Texas)
Age: 81 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad to see an old friend recognized for his brave service.
- This is a fitting tribute.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired nurse (New York)
Age: 89 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate that my husband’s sacrifice is still remembered.
- The medal brings a sense of pride and nostalgia.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Student (Illinois)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it’s important to recognize historical contributions, but this doesn't affect me personally.
- I'm more concerned with current issues facing veterans.
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 |
History professor (Virginia)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Symbolic gestures like this are crucial for acknowledging unsung heroes.
- This has no direct impact on me, but I value the historical importance.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Author (Colorado)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The medal adds a meaningful element to my work, endorsing the stories of bravery.
- Personally, it does not alter my life's wellbeing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired farmer (North Carolina)
Age: 83 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The medal is a nice recognition, though my brother has passed.
- It brings some comfort knowing his service is appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Retired (Washington)
Age: 92 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although I'm not directly involved, I understand the value of this gesture.
- It's good to see comrades recognized, even if they were in different units.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000 (Low: $20000, High: $40000)
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 Congressional Gold Medal is largely symbolic, with costs primarily related to medal creation and ceremonies.
- The bill honors contributions of a specific group but does not have any direct fiscal implications beyond initial recognition costs.