Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2025
Summary
The Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2025 aims to posthumously award a congressional gold medal to Constance Baker Motley in recognition of her contributions to the United States. Motley was a civil rights lawyer, the first African-American woman elected to the New York State Senate, and the first African-American woman to serve as a federal judge. The Act authorizes the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House to arrange for the award, and directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike a gold medal with Motley's image and name.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would create a Congressional Gold Medal honoring Constance Baker Motley. The medal would be presented to her son and niece. It serves as a symbolic gesture acknowledging her significant contributions to civil rights and the legal profession.
Potential Benefits
- Recognition of a Pioneer: Honors the legacy of Constance Baker Motley, a significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement and the legal field.
- Educational Value: Raises awareness of Motley's achievements and inspires future generations.
- Symbolic Importance: Reinforces the importance of civil rights and equality under the law.
- Commemoration: Provides a tangible symbol of Motley's contributions to be displayed and remembered.
- Positive Representation: Highlights the achievements of an African-American woman in a historically underrepresented field.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Practical Impact: The Act is primarily symbolic and does not directly address current policy issues.
- Cost to Taxpayers: Striking the gold medal and duplicates involves government expenditure, although funded by the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
- Potential for Political Division: While largely symbolic, some may view the selection of honorees as politically motivated, though Motley's contributions are widely recognized.
- Alternative Uses of Funds: Some may argue that the funds could be used for more direct social programs or initiatives.
- Risk of Overshadowing Other Issues: The focus on this symbolic act could potentially divert attention from pressing contemporary civil rights challenges.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the principles of equality and justice. While the Constitution does not explicitly address commemorative awards, Congress's power to legislate on matters of national importance, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, implicitly allows for such actions. The Act does not infringe upon any specific constitutional provision and serves to honor an individual who contributed to the advancement of constitutional principles.
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).