Overview
Title
To award a Congressional Gold Medal to Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, in recognition of his pioneering work in collecting and preserving the history and culture of the African diaspora.
ELI5 AI
H.R. 1817 is a plan to give a special medal to Arturo Alfonso Schomburg for gathering important books and stories about Black history. His collection helped create a famous library, and the medal would be displayed in a museum, with copies sold to help pay for it.
Summary AI
H.R. 1817 proposes awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to Arturo Alfonso Schomburg in recognition of his work in preserving the history and culture of the African diaspora. Schomburg collected a vast archive of over 10,000 items that highlighted Black history and achievements, which later became part of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The bill authorizes the production of a gold medal to honor Schomburg's contributions, with the original medal being displayed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Duplicates in bronze may also be sold to cover costs, with proceeds going to the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
The proposed legislation, titled the "Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Congressional Gold Medal Act," aims to honor Arturo Alfonso Schomburg for his significant contributions to documenting and preserving the history and culture of the African diaspora. Arturo Schomburg, a prominent historical figure, collected an extensive archive of over 10,000 items that became the cornerstone of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The bill proposes awarding a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Schomburg, with the medal to be displayed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Additionally, the bill allows for the striking and sale of duplicate bronze medals.
Summary of Significant Issues
A few key issues arise from the bill's text. Firstly, there is concern regarding the potential for unchecked spending from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund due to vague language about funding requirements. Secondly, specifying the Smithsonian Institution as the sole initial recipient of the gold medal may be perceived as favoritism, potentially limiting broader public accessibility. Additionally, the lack of clear guidelines for the design and striking of the medals could lead to disputes over expectations. The pricing strategy for duplicate medals also lacks definition, which could result in arbitrary pricing. Lastly, there is an absence of oversight measures for the funds used, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the bill seeks to recognize and honor the legacy of Arturo Schomburg, potentially inspiring further interest and research into Black history and culture. The public could gain access to the Schomburg collection and the Congressional Gold Medal through displays, fostering a deeper appreciation of African diaspora contributions. However, if unchecked spending occurs due to vague guidelines, there might be public outcry over fiscal mismanagement.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For the Smithsonian Institution, particularly the National Museum of African American History and Culture, this bill represents an opportunity to enhance its collection and its public profile as a steward of Black cultural artifacts. However, other institutions might feel sidelined by not being the initial recipients of the medal, potentially limiting public access.
For scholars and enthusiasts of African diaspora history, the bill serves as a formal recognition of the importance of preserving diverse cultural narratives, which could lead to increased funding and public interest in related educational programs. However, if fiscal mismanagement or disputes over the medal's design occur, it might detract from the intended positive impact. Overall, the bill has the potential to significantly enhance the recognition of Black history but must address the highlighted issues to ensure its successful implementation and reception.
Issues
The use of the phrase 'such amounts as may be necessary' in Section 6(a) could lead to unchecked spending from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, as there is no cap or limit specified. This raises concerns about fiscal responsibility and potential misuse of public funds.
Section 3(a) specifies that the Smithsonian Institution will be the sole initial recipient of the gold medal. This could be seen as favoritism and may limit public accessibility or opportunities for other institutions to display the medal.
There is a lack of specific guidance on the design and striking process of the medals as mentioned in Section 3(b). The subjective term 'appropriate design' could lead to disagreements or disputes over design expectations.
Section 4 does not clarify how the price to cover the costs of duplicate bronze medals will be determined. This could lead to arbitrary pricing and potentially excessive costs for purchasers.
Section 6 lacks specificity on the oversight or accountability measures for the funds used from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, which could lead to inefficient or wasteful spending.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the bill states that the official short title of the legislation is the “Arturo Alfonso Schomburg Congressional Gold Medal Act.”
2. Findings Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress recognizes Arturo Alfonso Schomburg's significant contributions to documenting the history and culture of Africans and their descendants by collecting an extensive archive of over 10,000 items, which later became the cornerstone of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. They suggest that awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal would honor his efforts and the lasting impact he has made on the study and appreciation of Black history.
3. Congressional gold medal Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress has authorized a posthumous award of a Congressional gold medal to Arturo Alfonso Schomburg to honor his important contributions to preserving African diaspora history. After the medal is created by the Secretary of the Treasury, it will be displayed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, with a suggestion that it be shown at other relevant locations and events.
4. Duplicate medals Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary is allowed to make and sell duplicate bronze versions of a gold medal mentioned in section 3. The price of these duplicates should be high enough to cover all costs related to making them, like materials and labor.
5. Status of medals Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section explains that the medals made under this Act are considered national medals according to United States law. Additionally, these medals are classified as numismatic items, a term used for collectible artifacts like coins or medals, as stated in the specific sections of the U.S. Code.
6. Authority To use fund amounts; proceeds of sale Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section gives the United States Mint the authority to use money from its Public Enterprise Fund to cover the costs for making certain medals. Additionally, any money made from selling duplicate bronze medals will be added back into this fund.