Bill Overview
Title: Masks for All Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to manufacture and distribute N-95 respirator masks to every individual in the United States and to provide N-95 masks to all individuals working in health care settings in the United States that are experiencing a shortage of such masks. FEMA must provide the masks at no cost to individuals and deliver them, to the greatest extent possible, using the U.S. Postal Service. Additionally, FEMA shall designate mask pickup sites in each community and shall provide masks to each site, allocated according to population; consider new designs for masks to improve comfort, fit, and size options; and submit to Congress a strategic plan that includes monthly, measurable targets to eliminate shortages and increase domestic production of N-95 masks and to fulfill all other requirements of this bill. The President shall make use of any and all available authorities (including emergency authorities) at the disposal of the federal government to procure and domestically manufacture N-95 masks and support the domestic manufacturing of N-95 masks.
Sponsors: Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in the United States, including healthcare workers
Estimated Size: 332000000
- The bill directs FEMA to provide N-95 masks to every individual in the United States, which indicates that the target population includes all U.S. residents.
- This includes people of all ages, demographics, and citizenship statuses within the United States.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated population of the United States is approximately 332 million people as of 2022.
- The bill specifically includes individuals working in healthcare settings experiencing shortages, covering health professionals across the country.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to distribute masks to all individuals in the U.S., which impacts a broad and diverse population.
- Challenges include distribution logistics, costs associated with manufacturing, and ensuring comfort and compliance.
- Since the policy includes free distribution, economic impact is reduced for individuals, but there's a significant federal budget implication.
- Widespread availability of high-quality masks could affect public health outcomes significantly, particularly for vulnerable and healthcare worker populations.
Simulated Interviews
Healthcare worker (New York City, NY)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a great idea because N-95 masks are crucial in hospital settings.
- During shortages, it was stressful not having adequate protective equipment.
- Having these masks available would definitely make me feel safer at work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Software engineer (Austin, TX)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this policy affects me much since I work from home.
- It's probably more beneficial for those who need to be out in public more often.
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 |
Freelance artist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm supportive of the policy. It could help with the air quality and prevent illnesses.
- Even if it's mainly for COVID, wearing them in pollution has benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Factory worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about exposure at work, so getting N-95 masks seems important.
- Having a good supply chain for masks is reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel more vulnerable to viruses, so free masks are a sigh of relief.
- I worry about mask shortages, especially during outbreaks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
College student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With cases in universities, having reliable masks would help me feel more at ease during classes.
- It's not just about COVID anymore but general health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Farmer (Rural Montana)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Living in a less populated area, I'm not sure how important this is for someone like me.
- However, it does offer peace of mind when I have to visit town.
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 |
Restaurant owner (Chicago, IL)
Age: 37 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If customers and staff trust that masks are safe, it could help business recovery.
- Managing supplies has been a challenge, so government assistance in this area is appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Teacher (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring safety in classrooms is crucial, so this policy seems like a positive step.
- School outbreaks affect not just students but staff and the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Event planner (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's hard to plan events with on-going health risks, but knowing masks are distributed might help.
- Trust in safety measures could encourage more event bookings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2500000000 (Low: $2000000000, High: $3000000000)
Year 2: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Year 3: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 5: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 10: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $5000000, High: $15000000)
Key Considerations
- Global and domestic supply chain challenges in sourcing materials and manufacturing masks.
- Scaling up production quickly for large quantities needed.
- Managing logistics for distribution through USPS and local pickup sites.
- Potential long-term benefits in emergency preparedness and healthcare cost savings.