Bill Overview
Title: Benjamin Berell Ferencz Congressional Gold Medal Act
Description: This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Berell Ferencz in recognition of his service to the United States and the international community during the post-World War II Nuremberg trials and his lifelong advocacy for international criminal justice and the rule of law.
Sponsors: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Target Audience
Population: Benjamin Berell Ferencz
Estimated Size: 1
- Benjamin Berell Ferencz himself will be the primary recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal.
- The awarding of this medal is largely symbolic and primarily recognizes Ferencz's contributions.
- Individuals involved in international criminal justice may feel encouraged or validated by this recognition.
- There is no direct impact on the wellbeing of the general population, except as a moral or inspirational gesture.
Reasoning
- The policy awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Berell Ferencz, which is a high symbolic honor. Ferencz is the primary individual impacted as it recognizes his lifetime achievements.
- The budget is relatively low, and is mostly allocated for the creation and ceremonial expense of the Gold Medal. Hence, it does not provide for financial distribution or programs that directly impact a large number of people.
- As the award is largely symbolic, its impact on the general public's wellbeing is indirect, affecting mostly those familiar with or inspired by Ferencz's work.
- People working within international criminal justice systems or having a deep interest in historical justice may feel increased recognition and motivation.
- The overall impact on the wider US population is non-tangible, mainly influencing moral or aspirational sentiments.
Simulated Interviews
Retired attorney (Florida)
Age: 103 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am deeply honored by this recognition. It reaffirms the importance of international criminal justice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
International law professor (New York)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This honor is inspiring and reminds us of the importance of our work in international law.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Graduate student (California)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognition of figures like Ferencz motivates young professionals like myself.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Public sector lawyer (Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this award as a reinforcement of the values of justice and duty.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired historian (Texas)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ferencz's recognition is well deserved and highlights forgotten historical lessons.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Diplomat (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important to honor influencers in international law. It creates a sense of continued purpose.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Judge (Ohio)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ferencz's recognition is a powerful reminder of judicial impact internationally.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
NGO worker (Georgia)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Honors like these provide hope and encouragement to those of us working towards peace.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
History teacher (Virginia)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This award underlines the importance of teaching history and justice.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
International organization consultant (Massachusetts)
Age: 54 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This acknowledgment strengthens my resolve to further advocate for international justice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
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 primary cost involves the production and awarding ceremony of the Congressional Gold Medal.
- The bill is primarily symbolic and recognition-oriented, with no direct economic or fiscal implications.