To provide for eligibility for veterans of Operation End Sweep for the Vietnam Service Medal.
Summary
H.R. 4622 aims to provide veterans who participated in Operation End Sweep with eligibility for the Vietnam Service Medal. This bill directs the Secretary of the relevant military department to award the medal upon application from eligible veterans. Operation End Sweep was a US Navy operation conducted in 1973 to remove mines from North Vietnamese waters after the cessation of hostilities.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would formally recognize the service of veterans who participated in Operation End Sweep by awarding them the Vietnam Service Medal. This could lead to increased recognition and potential benefits for these veterans. It clarifies eligibility criteria for a specific group of veterans.
Potential Benefits
- Provides formal recognition for veterans of Operation End Sweep.
- Allows eligible veterans to receive the Vietnam Service Medal.
- May improve morale and sense of appreciation among veterans.
- Could lead to additional benefits associated with the medal.
- Corrects a potential oversight in previous eligibility criteria.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden for the Department of Defense to process applications.
- May raise questions about eligibility criteria for other operations.
- Could create a precedent for similar requests from veterans of other operations.
- Minimal financial impact, but some costs associated with medal issuance.
- Possible perception of inequity if other deserving groups are not similarly recognized.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional power granted to Congress to provide for the common defense and to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). It also aligns with the general welfare clause, as it seeks to provide a benefit to a specific group of veterans. There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights.
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).