Bill Overview
Title: To oppose violations of religious freedom in Ukraine by Russia and armed groups commanded or otherwise supported by or acting on behalf of Russia.
Description: This bill directs the President, when determining whether Russia is a country of particular concern for religious freedom under certain federal laws, to consider incidents occurring in the parts of Ukraine that Russia (or any Russia-affiliated non-state group) occupies, controls, or recognizes as independent. (The United States may take certain actions, such as withdrawing development assistance, against a country of particular concern for religious freedom.)
Sponsors: Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]
Target Audience
Population: People living in Russian-occupied or controlled areas of Ukraine
Estimated Size: 0
- The bill focuses on violations of religious freedom in Ukraine, particularly in areas affected by Russian influence or control.
- The primary affected population would be individuals residing in areas of Ukraine occupied or controlled by Russia or Russian-affiliated non-state groups.
- The bill will potentially impact those facing religious persecution in these regions.
- Globally, it could also impact Russian citizens if diplomatic or economic measures are implemented against Russia.
Reasoning
- The direct impact of the Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act is limited in the US since the bill primarily concerns policies relating to foreign territories and not the domestic population.
- Individuals in the US who might be interested in or indirectly impacted by this kind of legislation include those involved in foreign policy, international human rights, or with family ties to Ukraine.
- The American target population size for this policy's direct effects is estimated at zero, as the bill does not explicitly provide for measures that would impact US nationals directly.
- Despite the lack of direct impact, the policy may influence broader US foreign policies which could have trickle-down effects on certain advocacy or humanitarian groups within the US.
Simulated Interviews
Human Rights Activist (New York, NY)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy sends a strong message of support for religious freedom, which is close to my heart.
- While I won't experience direct changes in my personal life, the policy could bolster international efforts I spearhead.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Economist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could lead to sanctions affecting the Russian economy.
- As an economist, I find these kinds of legislative actions generate meaningful data and discussion points.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It slightly reassures me to know the US supports religious freedoms more publicly.
- Family in Ukraine might feel a boost in morale, although practical impacts are limited.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill aligns with broader discussions on human rights protections.
- While my job involves analysis of such policies, it won't alter my daily life directly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I agree with policies that uphold human rights worldwide.
- The policy will not have a direct effect on me, but it is in line with values I support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Business Owner (Seattle, WA)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Sanctions and international policies may affect my supply chain.
- However, this policy is unlikely to have direct impacts early on.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will serve as a great case study for my thesis on diplomatic actions.
- It doesn't change my life directly but enriches academic resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
IT Specialist (Austin, TX)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is crucial to uphold religious freedom, even internationally.
- The direct effects on me are non-existent, but it upholds causes I believe in.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Lawyer (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's essential that we hold nations accountable for human rights violations.
- In my practice, I incorporate discussions of such policies with clients interested in international issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Journalist (Detroit, MI)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I cover these kinds of policy actions and their implications in my work.
- Though not directly touched personally, it enhances content for my reporting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The policy requires coordination with international partners for effective implementation.
- Monitoring compliance in Russian-controlled areas is challenging due to access limitations.
- Potential escalation of diplomatic tensions with Russia needs to be carefully managed.