USS Frank E. Evans Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Nov 7, 2025
Bottom line
The bill seeks to add the names of 74 sailors lost in a non-combat incident during the Vietnam War era to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, bypassing standard memorial approval processes.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the inclusion of the names of 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. It requires the Secretary of Defense to authorize this inclusion within one year of enactment and to consult with relevant authorities regarding placement and nomenclature. Crucially, it exempts these activities from the requirements of the Commemorative Works Act.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the 74 sailors who died aboard the USS Frank E. Evans, despite being outside the official combat zone, were integral to the Vietnam War effort and their deaths were a direct consequence of their service during that conflict. They contend that their exclusion from the Memorial Wall is an injustice that should be rectified, providing long-overdue recognition and closure for their families. Supporters highlight the moral imperative to honor all who perished while serving the nation during the Vietnam War.
Opponents contend
Opponents, if any, might argue that expanding the criteria for inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall could dilute its original purpose and potentially open the door to numerous other requests, challenging the established historical and geographical boundaries for recognition. They might express concerns about maintaining the integrity and specific historical context of the memorial, and the precedent set by waiving the Commemorative Works Act for this specific case.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Inclusion of USS Frank E. Evans Crew Members' Names
This provision directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the names of the 74 crew members who died when the USS Frank E. Evans sank on June 3, 1969, are added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. This action must be completed within one year of the bill becoming law, providing a clear timeline for implementation.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision corrects a historical oversight, ensuring that these sailors, who died while serving during the Vietnam War era, receive the same honor and recognition as others on the Wall. They emphasize the moral duty to acknowledge their sacrifice.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the direct recognition of service members' sacrifices. However, some might express concern about the precedent it sets for future inclusions if the criteria for the memorial are perceived to be broadened without a comprehensive review process.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for comprehensive recognition of service members' sacrifices with the need to maintain the established criteria and historical context of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. It also navigates the logistical challenge of adding names to an existing monument.
Section 2(b)
Required Consultation for Placement
This section mandates that the Secretary of Defense consults with the Secretary of the Interior, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, and other relevant authorities. The purpose of this consultation is to address practical considerations such as the exact wording for the names (nomenclature), their specific placement on the Wall, and any potential space limitations that might arise from adding 74 new names.
Section 2(c)
Nonapplicability of Commemorative Works Act
This provision explicitly states that Chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code, commonly known as the 'Commemorative Works Act,' will not apply to any actions taken under this bill. The Commemorative Works Act typically governs the establishment and modification of commemorative works in the District of Columbia, including memorials, setting out a detailed process for approval, design, and placement.
Exempts the inclusion of names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, as mandated by this Act, from the requirements of the Commemorative Works Act.
Section 2(c)
Why it matters:While not necessarily evasive, its placement and technical phrasing could lead a reader to underestimate its procedural impact. It's a deliberate legislative choice to expedite the process, bypassing a potentially lengthy review.
Case for: Proponents argue that this exemption is necessary to ensure the timely and direct recognition of the USS Frank E. Evans crew members, avoiding the bureaucratic hurdles and potential delays associated with the Commemorative Works Act. This allows for a swift resolution to a long-standing issue.
Case against: Critics might contend that bypassing the Commemorative Works Act, which is designed to ensure careful consideration and public input for national memorials, sets a problematic precedent. They could argue that all changes to national monuments should undergo a thorough review process to maintain the integrity and consistency of memorial policy.
Estimated impact: This provision significantly streamlines the process for adding the names, preventing potential delays of several years that could arise from the standard Commemorative Works Act review. It shifts authority directly to the Secretary of Defense for implementation.