Bill Overview
Title: To require the Secretary of the Treasury to carry out a study on Chinese support for Afghan illicit finance, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to report on the financial activities of China and Chinese entities in connection with the finances of Afghanistan and the Taliban, including activities to support illicit financial networks.
Sponsors: Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals involved or affected by Chinese financial activities related to Afghan illicit finance
Estimated Size: 5000
- The bill requires a study on Chinese support for Afghan illicit finance, which indicates a focus on international financial activities and networks.
- The primary population impacted includes those involved in financial institutions and networks, both legally and illicitly, in China and Afghanistan.
- Secondary impact might be felt by Afghan civilians if the study leads to actions that impact aid or financial flows into the country.
- The Chinese entities involved in or suspected of supporting illicit finance networks are directly impacted.
- U.S. policymakers and stakeholders interested in international finance and security could be informed by the study's findings, potentially influencing future legislation.
Reasoning
- Considered individuals directly involved in financial analysis and policy-making as they are the immediate audience for the report.
- Selected a diverse age group to represent both junior and senior professionals in affected sectors.
- Ensured inclusion of individuals with varying opinions on the policy based on their professional roles and personal biases.
- Recognized limited direct effect on the general population, focusing instead on the highly specialized field's members.
- Simulated interviews for people who might indirectly benefit or be affected by changes in international finance policy due to heightened awareness or action instigated by the report.
- Evaluated potential change in wellbeing based on career impacts (e.g., job relevance, additional work) and national security.
- Acknowledged budget constraints, limiting direct policy effects to specific professional roles.
Simulated Interviews
Financial Analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is important for risk management related to international financial activities.
- It might increase workload temporarily but is beneficial for the big picture.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Policy Advisor (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This report is crucial for understanding the risks posed by foreign financial networks.
- It can lead to significant positive policy shifts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Professor of International Studies (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The study's findings will be an invaluable resource for academic research.
- It may increase funding opportunities for related projects.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Financial Technology Consultant (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Interesting policy that could catalyze innovations in compliance technology.
- The effects are indirect but potentially beneficial.
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 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Banker (New York, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While retired, I see this as critical for future financial security and stability.
- The impact on personal investments will be minimal, but it's assuring.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Researcher at a Think Tank (Boston, MA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Data from this report is crucial for formulating realistic policy responses.
- Anticipates increased interest and workload.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
CEO of a Financial Services Firm (Dallas, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The study could highlight areas needing compliance tightening, adding value.
- Initial concerns about policy overreach.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
NGO Worker focused on Central Asia (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could inform and potentially reevaluate funding strategies for aid.
- It's vital for transparency and effective resource allocation.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Tech Policy Analyst (Seattle, WA)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An insightful move that enhances understanding of complex international issues.
- May open avenues for tech improvements in monitoring.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Journalist covering international finance (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such policies provide good material for investigation pieces.
- It could influence public understanding significantly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1200000 (Low: $1000000, High: $1500000)
Year 2: $1200000 (Low: $1000000, High: $1500000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Cost primarily involves staff and resource allocation for the Department of the Treasury.
- The study has no direct economic or tax revenue impacts, but it could influence future policy and legislation affecting illicit finance control.