Summary of the Bill

The bill at hand, titled the "Sarah Keys Evans Congressional Gold Medal Act," proposes to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Sarah Keys Evans, recognizing her significant role in the civil rights movement. Sarah Keys Evans, a civil rights pioneer and Army veteran, is celebrated for her brave stand against racial segregation on interstate buses, which led to a landmark ruling prohibiting such practices. The bill outlines the procedure for producing the medal, including its design, and authorizes the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.

Significant Issues

Several issues arise from the contents of the bill. Firstly, while the bill celebrates the achievements of an individual, it could be perceived as favoring Mrs. Sarah Keys Evans without comprehensive justification or context provided within the bill text (Section 3). Additionally, there are concerns about transparency regarding the financial aspects, such as the costs for producing the gold medal and subsequent duplicates, and how these will be managed (Sections 3 and 4).

The language used to describe the design of the medal, such as "appropriate design" and "suitable emblems," is vague and may lead to ambiguity during execution (Section 3). Furthermore, the lack of oversight or specific guidelines mentioned in decision-making processes, both for the medal's design and for the selling of duplicate medals, raises concerns about accountability (Section 4).

Broad Impact

The bill highlights a significant historical figure's contribution to civil rights, which might inspire public interest and education regarding the civil rights movement's history and progress. By honoring Sarah Keys Evans, the bill could contribute to a broader societal recognition of past injustices and the continued effort towards equality.

The potential educational impact of such a bill is notable, as it could serve to inform individuals, particularly students, about lesser-known historical figures and events that played crucial roles in shaping civil rights legislation.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For Sarah Keys Evans and her family, the awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal would be a formal recognition of her contributions and sacrifices in the fight against racial segregation. This recognition might also extend to the communities advocating for civil rights, providing a sense of validation for their continued efforts.

On the other hand, stakeholders concerned about federal spending and transparency might view the bill critically if costs and oversight for producing and selling the medals are not clearly outlined and justified. There is a potential concern about setting a precedent for recognizing individuals without thorough consideration or transparency regarding expenditures associated with such honors.

In summary, while the bill seeks to honor and bring to light the heroic actions of Sarah Keys Evans, ensuring transparency and accountability in its execution would help mitigate potential concerns about favoritism and fiscal responsibility.

The bill known as H. R. 1377, titled the “Sarah Keys Evans Congressional Gold Medal Act,” involves financial considerations related to the award of a Congressional Gold Medal and the possible sale of duplicate medals. Below is a detailed analysis of how financial elements are addressed in the bill, along with related issues.

Financial Summary

The primary financial element in this bill revolves around the striking of a gold medal to honor Sarah Keys Evans. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike this medal, which encompasses responsibilities for designing and producing it. Although striking a Congressional Gold Medal typically implies certain costs, the specific financial outlay here is not detailed in the text.

Additionally, the bill allows for the creation and selling of bronze duplicates of the gold medal. These duplicates should be priced to cover their production costs, including materials and labor, among other expenses. However, the bill does not specify the exact financial arrangements or oversight mechanisms for this process.

Related Financial Issues

1. Lack of Cost Transparency: The bill does not specify how the costs for striking the gold medal and bronze duplicates will be managed, leading to potential transparency concerns. Without clear details on the budget or source of funds, it's challenging to assess the bill's fiscal impact fully. This issue was highlighted in the identified concerns related to the ambiguity in financial execution (Section 3).

2. Vague Cost Coverage Clause: The requirement that bronze duplicates be sold at a price "sufficient to cover the costs" is notably vague. The bill fails to define which costs are included or whether there will be profit from the sales. This could lead to different interpretations of financial sufficiency and does not lay out a clear framework for fiscal responsibility (Section 4).

3. No Reporting or Oversight: The absence of explicit oversight or a reporting requirement for the production and sale of the bronze duplicates is a concern. Without accountability measures, it's unclear how the sales process will be monitored to ensure transparency and appropriate use of any proceeds (Section 4).

4. Undefined Criteria for Medal Design: The financial reference concerning "appropriate design" of the medal lacks specificity, which may have budget implications. The absence of set criteria could lead to varying costs and potential budget overruns if the design process is not efficiently managed (Section 3).

5. Indeterminate Production Numbers: There is no mention of how many medals or duplicates will be produced, which adds a layer of financial uncertainty. Without knowing the expected quantity, planning for material and labor costs becomes challenging, risking excess spending and potential waste (Section 5).

In summary, while the bill aims to honor Sarah Keys Evans with a Congressional Gold Medal, there are several financial ambiguities that need to be addressed for clarity and fiscal accountability. These include greater transparency regarding costs, specific guidelines on pricing and oversight of duplicate sales, and well-defined criteria for designing and striking the medal.