Overview
Title
An Act To award posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm.
ELI5 AI
The Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act wants to give a special gold medal to Shirley Chisholm, a famous woman who fought for everyone's rights, even after she has passed away. The medal will be shown in a museum, and copies made of bronze can be sold to help fund the U.S. Mint.
Summary AI
The Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 4243) authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm. Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to Congress and was a prominent advocate for civil rights, women's rights, and social equality. The bill specifies that the gold medal will be presented to commemorate her contributions and achievements, and it will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. Additionally, the bill allows for the production and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal, with the proceeds going to the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
The "Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act" seeks to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm. Chisholm, a pioneering African-American woman, was the first of her kind elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968, serving until 1982. Her notable actions included seeking the Democratic nomination for President in 1972, promoting civil rights and women's issues, and opposing the Vietnam War. This Act authorizes the creation of a gold medal honoring her legacy, which will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution.
Significant Issues
A primary issue with this bill is the lack of clarity regarding financial implications. It does not specify the cost of striking and presenting the gold medal, leading to potential financial ambiguity. Moreover, the bill's language concerning the design specifications of the medal is vague, leaving room for subjective interpretation. The Act allows the creation and sale of duplicate bronze medals without clearly defining limitations, which could lead to unnecessary production if demand does not justify it. Additionally, there is no cap on the funding use from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, which may result in unchecked spending.
Impact on the Public
The bill's passage would honor a historic figure in American politics, potentially inspiring new generations of political activists, particularly among women and African-Americans. Such recognition might stimulate more interest in public service and civil rights advocacy. However, the bill's ambiguous financial aspects could lead to criticism regarding government spending, which might detract attention from Chisholm's accomplishments.
Impact on Stakeholders
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the supporters and followers of Shirley Chisholm's legacy. Her posthumous recognition could bolster efforts to commemorate significant political landmarks for women and minorities. However, the U.S. Mint might face operational challenges or logistical burdens without clear guidance on medal production and sales. The Smithsonian Institution, tasked with displaying the medal, may eventually gain increased visitor interest, but the unclear directions on medal display elsewhere need addressing to optimize exposure and educational opportunities.
In conclusion, the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act has the potential to broaden awareness of her impact on American society but requires more detailed specifications in certain areas to ensure effective and responsible implementation.
Issues
The bill does not specify the cost of striking and presenting the gold medal in Section 3, leading to potential undefined spending and financial ambiguity.
The lack of detailed criteria or specifications for what the 'appropriate design' of the gold medal should entail in Section 3 can lead to subjective interpretation and potential controversies regarding its representation.
The provision in Section 4 allows for the striking and selling of duplicate medals in bronze without specifying a limit, which might result in unnecessary production if there is insufficient demand.
In Section 6, there is potential for wasteful spending as there is no cap or limit on the amount charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund for the costs of the medals, posing financial risk.
The ambiguity regarding 'overhead expenses' in Section 4 could potentially lead to inflated costs or lack of accountability in pricing of the duplicate medals.
The text in Section 6 lacks clarity on how proceeds from the sale of duplicate bronze medals are allocated or used once deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, raising concerns about fund management.
The language in Section 3 regarding making the medal available for display 'elsewhere' is vague, suggesting the need for clearer guidelines to avoid misuse or inappropriate placement.
The designation of all medals as 'numismatic items' in Section 5 assumes they hold collectible value but does not provide criteria for such designation, which may lead to legal or financial ambiguities.
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 states that it can be referred to as the "Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act."
2. Findings Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section highlights the significant accomplishments and impact of Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress. It notes her role in advancing political opportunities for African Americans and women, her groundbreaking campaign for the presidency in 1972, and her efforts in civil rights and women's rights throughout her career in politics.
3. Congressional gold medal Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress has authorized the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for a gold medal to be awarded posthumously to Shirley Chisholm. The medal, designed by the Secretary of the Treasury, will later be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and possibly shared at other related events or locations.
4. Duplicate medals Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary is allowed to create and sell copies of a gold medal in bronze. The price of these bronze duplicates must be enough to cover all costs, including materials and labor.
5. Status of medals Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Medals made under this law are considered national medals according to U.S. law, and they are also considered to be collectible items known as numismatic items.
6. Authority to use fund amounts; proceeds of sale Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section provides that the U.S. Mint can use funds from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to cover the costs of making medals. Additionally, money earned from selling bronze duplicates of these medals must be put back into the same fund.