Thiokol Memorial Gold Medal Act
Summary
The Thiokol Memorial Gold Medal Act authorizes the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the fallen patriots of Thiokol, recognizing their sacrifice and contribution to the nation. This honors 30 individuals who died in explosions at the Thiokol plant in Woodbine, Georgia, during the Vietnam War era. The medal will be given to the Thiokol Memorial Museum for display and research.
Expected Effects
This act will create a lasting tribute to the Thiokol workers, acknowledging their role in supporting the nation's defense efforts during the Vietnam War. It also highlights the improvements in workplace safety, emergency response, and legal practices that resulted from the Thiokol tragedy. The act serves as a symbolic gesture of gratitude and remembrance.
Potential Benefits
- Recognizes the contributions of civilian contractors to national defense.
- Preserves the memory of the Thiokol workers and their sacrifices.
- Highlights the importance of workplace safety and emergency response.
- Promotes awareness of the Thiokol tragedy and its impact on American society.
- Provides a tangible symbol of appreciation for the workers' service.
Potential Disadvantages
- The act primarily serves a symbolic purpose and may not directly address current societal challenges.
- The cost of striking the gold medal and duplicates will be borne by the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
- The act does not provide direct financial compensation or benefits to the families of the fallen workers.
- Potential for debate over the allocation of resources for commemorative purposes versus other pressing needs.
- Limited immediate impact on economic growth or job creation.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the spirit of the Constitution by recognizing the service and sacrifice of individuals who contributed to the nation's defense, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense. While not explicitly mandated, honoring such contributions falls within the implied powers necessary to fulfill the government's responsibilities. The act does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).