Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.858 - Hershel ‘Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act (119th Congress)

Summary

S.858, the Hershel 'Woody' Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, authorizes the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to establish a commemorative work on the National Mall in Washington D.C. The monument will honor Medal of Honor recipients. The bill specifically allows the monument to be located within the Reserve area of the National Mall, near the Lincoln Memorial.

Expected Effects

This bill will allow the construction of a monument honoring Medal of Honor recipients on the National Mall. It bypasses certain location restrictions normally in place. The monument's location near the Lincoln Memorial aims to connect the legacy of the Medal of Honor with Lincoln's values.

Potential Benefits

  • Honors the extraordinary acts of valor, selfless service, and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients.
  • Provides a physical space for reflection and remembrance of these heroes.
  • Inspires future generations by showcasing the values embodied by Medal of Honor recipients.
  • Enhances the National Mall as a place of national significance and remembrance.
  • Potentially increases tourism and educational opportunities related to American history and military service.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential disruption to the National Mall during construction.
  • Possible controversy over the specific design and location of the monument.
  • Allocation of resources and funding for the monument's construction and maintenance.
  • Potential for overcrowding or congestion in the area surrounding the monument.
  • Risk of the monument's message being misinterpreted or misused for political purposes.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the general principles of honoring military service and national values, which are implied within the Constitution's provisions for national defense and the common good (Preamble). Congress's power to legislate for the District of Columbia (Article I, Section 8, Clause 17) provides the constitutional basis for this bill. The bill does not appear to 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).