WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act
Summary
The WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act aims to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the women who served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and U.S. Navy Nurse Corps during World War II. This act recognizes their critical military service and devotion to duty. The medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with the intent to also display it at locations associated with the Army and Navy Nurse Corps.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill will formally honor the contributions of WWII nurses through a Congressional Gold Medal. It will also ensure their service is remembered and recognized by future generations. The act also authorizes the striking and selling of bronze duplicates to fund the medal's creation.
Potential Benefits
- Formal recognition of the vital role of nurses during WWII.
- Increased awareness of the sacrifices and contributions of women in the military.
- Preservation of historical memory through display at the Smithsonian and other relevant locations.
- Potential for increased public interest in military nursing and women's history.
- Symbolic gesture of gratitude from the nation to these veterans.
Potential Disadvantages
- The act itself has no direct economic disadvantages.
- Potential cost to taxpayers for striking the gold medal and bronze duplicates, although this is offset by the sale of duplicates.
- The act is largely symbolic and does not provide direct material benefits to living WWII nurses (if any are still alive).
- Focuses on a specific group, potentially overlooking other deserving groups of WWII veterans.
- May not fully address the historical inequalities faced by African-American nurses during the war.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill aligns with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the Preamble's goal to "promote the general Welfare" and "secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity." While there is no specific constitutional clause mandating the recognition of military service, Congress has broad authority to legislate for the common defense and general welfare. The act does not infringe upon any specific constitutional right or freedom.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).