To provide for eligibility for veterans of Operation End Sweep for the Vietnam Service Medal.
Summary
This bill, S. 2370, aims to provide veterans who participated in Operation End Sweep with eligibility for the Vietnam Service Medal. It 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
The bill will formally recognize the service of veterans who participated in Operation End Sweep by making them eligible for the Vietnam Service Medal. This recognition could lead to increased morale and a sense of appreciation among these veterans. It may also entitle them to certain benefits associated with the medal.
Potential Benefits
- Acknowledges the service and sacrifice of veterans who participated in Operation End Sweep.
- May improve morale and sense of belonging among affected veterans.
- Could provide access to additional benefits or recognition associated with the Vietnam Service Medal.
- Corrects a potential oversight in the initial criteria for awarding the Vietnam Service Medal.
- Reinforces the principle of honoring military service.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden on the Department of Defense to process applications and award medals.
- Possible costs associated with the production and distribution of the medals.
- May open the door for similar requests from veterans of other operations, potentially increasing administrative and financial burdens.
- Could raise questions about why these veterans were not initially included in the eligibility criteria.
- Limited broader impact beyond the specific group of veterans affected.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the constitutional power granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8 to provide for the common defense and to raise and support armies. Honoring veterans through the awarding of medals can be seen as a means of supporting the armed forces and recognizing their service to the nation. There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
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).