Bill Overview
Title: United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the African Americans who served with Union forces in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service during the Civil War.
Sponsors: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Target Audience
Population: African Americans who served in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War
Estimated Size: 180000
- The bill aims to recognize African Americans who served with the Union forces during the Civil War.
- The Congressional Gold Medal is an award given for distinguished achievements, and receiving it serves not only to honor individuals but also to acknowledge the historical significance of their actions.
- The African Americans who served in the Union forces were known as the United States Colored Troops (USCT).
- The exact number of African Americans who served in the USCT during the Civil War is estimated to be around 180,000 men, which constituted about 10% of the Union army's manpower.
Reasoning
- The target population specifically comprises African Americans who were part of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) during the Civil War. Since these individuals are no longer alive, direct beneficiaries are not possible; however, their descendants and historical interest groups could be indirectly affected, acknowledging the historical significance.
- Given that the present-day audience includes the descendants of these soldiers, educators, and historians, the impact therefore may primarily be emotional and symbolic but also vital for educational purposes.
- The budget outlined for the medal act is relatively limited, suggesting that large-scale outreach or substantial cash awards with the medal are unlikely, keeping the focus on symbolic and historical recognition.
- The wellbeing scores captured are reflective more of personal sentiment, awareness, and validation that might affect descendants or individuals with a deep-seated interest in Civil War history and African American history. These sentiments may alter pre-existing perspectives of historical recognition and societal validation.
Simulated Interviews
History Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a great way to honor those who fought for the Union.
- It's important to keep the legacy of the USCT alive, especially for educational purposes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Museum Curator (Boston, MA)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This medal is a long-overdue recognition of the contributions of the USCT.
- Increases public interest in our exhibitions which include Civil War artifacts.
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 | 8 | 8 |
Civil Rights Activist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognizing the USCT soldiers is an essential part of our history.
- More initiatives like this are needed to acknowledge African American contributions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act of Congress emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the past.
- While I see no direct benefit to me, it's enlightening to see recognition being given.
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 |
Congressional Staffer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This medal is a formal recognition fitting the bravery of all USCT soldiers.
- Such recognition is crucial for the legacy of these soldiers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
College Student (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Seeing this recognition is inspiring to me as a student.
- It helps in understanding the importance of advocacy for racial equality today.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Jackson, MS)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Honoring USCT soldiers means a lot to families like mine.
- It's heartening to see their courage formally acknowledged.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act shouldn't just be a one-off gesture; it needs continuity.
- It provides a talking point that can educate a wider audience about the USCT's role.
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 |
Historical Novelist (Detroit, MI)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This recognition will enrich the historical narratives I aim to write.
- It ensures the stories of the USCT soldiers inspire readers and writers alike.
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 |
Genealogist (Memphis, TN)
Age: 64 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Congressional Gold Medal provides a form of validation for those of us connecting families to the USCT.
- It reinforces the importance of documenting our heritage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $40000 (Low: $30000, High: $50000)
Year 2: $40000 (Low: $30000, High: $50000)
Year 3: $40000 (Low: $30000, High: $50000)
Year 5: $40000 (Low: $30000, High: $50000)
Year 10: $40000 (Low: $30000, High: $50000)
Year 100: $40000 (Low: $30000, High: $50000)
Key Considerations
- The primary cost involved is the production of one medal; however, additional replicas may be privately or separately funded.
- Costs associated with awarding the medal, such as ceremonial expenses, are not included in this estimate.