USS Frank E. Evans Act
Summary
The USS Frank E. Evans Act mandates the Secretary of Defense to include the names of the 74 crew members of the USS Frank E. Evans, who died on June 3, 1969, on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. This inclusion must occur within one year of the Act's enactment. The Secretary of Defense is required to consult with the Secretary of the Interior, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, and other relevant authorities to address any space limitations on the wall.
Furthermore, the Act specifies that the Commemorative Works Act will not apply to the activities carried out under this bill. This exemption streamlines the process by removing bureaucratic hurdles typically associated with commemorative works.
The bill was introduced in the Senate by Mr. Schiff, Mr. Cramer, and Mr. Schumer and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill is the addition of 74 names to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. This will provide recognition and honor to the lost crew members of the USS Frank E. Evans.
By exempting the project from the Commemorative Works Act, the process will likely be expedited. This ensures that the names are added to the memorial within the stipulated timeframe.
Potential Benefits
- Provides long-overdue recognition to the 74 crew members of the USS Frank E. Evans.
- Offers closure and solace to the families and loved ones of the deceased.
- Streamlines the process of adding the names by exempting the project from the Commemorative Works Act.
- Enhances the completeness and accuracy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
- Symbolically honors the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential logistical challenges in accommodating the additional names on the existing memorial wall.
- Possible debate or controversy regarding the criteria for inclusion on the memorial, although this bill specifically addresses the USS Frank E. Evans.
- Minimal financial cost associated with the implementation, although likely negligible.
- Possible precedent for future requests for inclusion, potentially leading to overcrowding if not managed carefully.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the preamble's goal to "establish Justice" and "insure domestic Tranquility" by honoring those who served in the armed forces. While there is no specific constitutional clause mandating the creation or modification of memorials, the government's power to provide for the common defense and support the military implies the authority to honor veterans.
Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This can be interpreted to include honoring military personnel.
Amendment I regarding freedom of speech is not applicable here, as the bill does not infringe on any speech rights.
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).