Overview
Title
An Act To authorize the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work on the National Mall to honor the extraordinary acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice displayed by Medal of Honor recipients.
ELI5 AI
The bill lets a group build a monument on a special place called the National Mall to celebrate people who did very brave things for their country. This monument will be near a famous statue called the Lincoln Memorial.
Summary AI
H. R. 186 is a bill that allows the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to build a commemorative monument on the National Mall. This monument will honor the courageous acts and sacrifices of Medal of Honor recipients, reflecting their extraordinary contributions to the United States. The bill specifically mandates the monument's location to be near the Lincoln Memorial, ensuring it aligns with the significant national and historical value of the Medal of Honor.
Published
Keywords AI
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Bill Statistics
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
This piece of legislation, formally known as the Hershel "Woody" Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, is aimed at honoring the heroic actions of Medal of Honor recipients. It grants the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation the authority to establish a commemorative monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This act highlights the valor and sacrifices made by individuals who have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States. The intended location of this monument is strategically close to the Lincoln Memorial, enhancing the theme of honoring national heroes and the spirit of selfless service.
Summary of Significant Issues
Location Ambiguity: The bill designates the monument's site within an area known as the Reserve, but it does not specify the exact location. This lack of precision could lead to disputes over where exactly the monument will be placed.
Site Selection Process: By making an exception to certain usual procedures for site selection under section 8908(c) of title 40, the bill may bypass customary site evaluation processes. This exception may be seen as skipping thorough standard vetting procedures, potentially allowing for preferential treatment in the decision-making process.
Financial Transparency: Absent from the bill are details regarding the projected costs and funding sources for the monument, which might raise concerns about financial transparency and the overall financial responsibility for the project resting potentially on taxpayers.
Complexity due to Legal References: The bill uses legal jargon and cross-references existing statutes, which may lead to confusion for those unfamiliar with these legal texts, possibly limiting broader public understanding of its implications.
Public Impact
The bill seeks to impact the general public positively by creating a space for honoring and remembering the acts of extraordinary bravery by Medal of Honor recipients. It serves as an educational tool and a source of national pride, encouraging citizens to reflect on the values of courage and sacrifice. Such a monument could foster greater awareness and appreciation of military history among visitors to the National Mall.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation: The formalization of this legislation directly supports the foundation's mission, enabling it to extend its commemorative efforts to a nationally recognized and meaningful location.
Veterans and Military Families: For veterans and military families, the monument represents an enduring tribute to their service and sacrifices. It recognizes the profound impact of military service on their lives and serves as a place of reflection and remembrance.
Federal and Local Authorities: These stakeholders might deal with the practical aspects of monument placement, ensuring that it respects and complements existing memorials and the aesthetic of the National Mall. This could involve navigating through any complexities and challenges arising due to the lack of a specified site or omitted procedural norms.
Taxpayers: Without clear information on funding, taxpayers might worry about potential fiscal implications. While the cultural and historical value of the monument is significant, concerns might arise if public funds are used without clear budgeting details.
In conclusion, while the bill aims to honor and inspire, careful consideration of its ambiguous components and potential fiscal impact will be critical to its successful implementation and acceptance by the public and stakeholders alike.
Issues
The lack of a specific location within the Reserve for the National Medal of Honor Monument, as mentioned in Section 3, could lead to ambiguity and potential controversy over the monument's precise site.
The exception made to section 8908(c) of title 40 in Section 3 might bypass the typical site evaluation processes, possibly paving the way for preferential location decisions that lack transparency.
The absence of estimated costs or identified funding sources for the Monument in Section 3 could raise concerns about the financial transparency and implications of the project for taxpayers.
The language in Section 3 relies heavily on cross-references to other legal texts, which may make it difficult for those unfamiliar with the references to fully understand the section's implications.
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 act gives its short title as the “Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act.”
2. Findings Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress acknowledges the historical and ongoing significance of the Medal of Honor, which is awarded across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces for exceptional valor in combat. They emphasize the importance of commemorating these acts through the establishment of a National Medal of Honor Monument near the Lincoln Memorial to honor past and inspire future generations by showcasing ordinary citizens' extraordinary actions.
3. National Medal of Honor Monument Location Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section specifies that the National Medal of Honor Monument will be located within a designated area called the Reserve, as outlined by a particular U.S. law, and states that the regular rules for commemorative works will apply except for the location requirement.