Bill Overview
Title: WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Army and Navy Nurse Corps members in recognition of their critical military service and devotion to duty.
Sponsors: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Target Audience
Population: Surviving World War II Army and Navy Nurse Corps members
Estimated Size: 450
- The bill recognizes World War II nurses who served in the Army and Navy Nurse Corps.
- These nurses are no longer on active duty as World War II ended over 75 years ago.
- Many of the nurses who served in World War II are likely deceased given the time elapsed since the war.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy, World War II Army and Navy Nurse Corps members, is very small given the time that has passed since World War II. This means the policy would directly affect a small number of living individuals.
- Given the historical context, surviving nurses are likely to be in advanced age, affecting the potential duration of impact.
- The public may view the policy favorably as a form of recognition and honor, although it would not directly impact the wellbeing of most people.
- Public awareness or opinion might be indirectly influenced if the policy brings attention to veterans' issues more broadly.
- Budget constraints limit the scope of the policy in terms of producing and potentially distributing the medals.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Nurse (Florida)
Age: 98 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel honored that our service is recognized so many years later.
- This medal brings closure and a sense of pride.
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 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 1 | 1 |
Retired Nurse (California)
Age: 102 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I suppose it's nice to be remembered, but at my age, it's too late for celebrations.
- I mostly care about how my story is told to future generations.
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 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 2 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 1 | 1 |
Retired School Nurse (Texas)
Age: 94 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This recognition is important for history and for my family to take pride in our contributions.
- At least the children will know the sacrifices of their nana.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 1 |
Retired Hospital Administrator (Ohio)
Age: 96 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Receiving the medal would be touching, especially as we are often forgotten.
- I might even be prompted to share more of my experiences.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 1 | 1 |
Retired Matron (New York)
Age: 100 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always taken pride in my service, though recognition in my later years might bring some satisfaction.
- This medal will not change my everyday life, but it adds to my life's stories.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 2 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 1 | 1 |
Retired Civic Leader (Michigan)
Age: 97 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This recognition is not just for me but for all the men and women I worked alongside.
- My greatest hope is that this encourages others to learn about our history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
Retired Midwife (Illinois)
Age: 95 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My life has been full of ups and downs, but this recognition touches the heart.
- I feel this could inspire younger generations in my family.
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 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 1 | 1 |
Retired Teacher (Arizona)
Age: 92 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognition with this medal is a proud moment but is unlikely to alter my active lifestyle.
- I do hope this shines light on the stories of my fellow veterans.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 2 |
Retired Home Care Nurse (Virginia)
Age: 99 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have always felt my contribution was important, and it's pleasing to see formal recognition finally.
- This will be a proud moment to share with family.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 1 | 1 |
Retired Public Health Official (Massachusetts)
Age: 101 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While the medal is a nice gesture, my concern is more for the futures of others.
- I take this as a sign of respect for all of us who served.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 1 | 1 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $3000000)
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 bill is largely symbolic and honors a historical contribution by awarding a Congressional Gold Medal.
- The financial impact is almost entirely based on the gold medal production and distribution costs.
- There is no ongoing fiscal impact beyond the initial expenditure.