Bill Overview
Title: Never Yielding Europe’s Territory (NYET) Act of 2022
Description: This bill addresses Russia's actions against Ukraine and other countries in the region. The bill authorizes and expedites the provision of security assistance, including by (1) prioritizing delivering excess defense articles to Ukraine, (2) authorizing the Department of State to waive certain costs for defense articles leased to Ukraine, and (3) authorizing additional Foreign Military Financing for programs in Europe. The bill also provides funding for (1) Foreign Military Financing assistance to Ukraine, (2) the Global Engagement Center to counter foreign-sponsored propaganda and disinformation, (3) the Countering Russian Influence Fund to support Ukraine and other countries in response to Russia's aggression, and (4) International Military Education and Training assistance for Ukraine. Furthermore, the bill imposes sanctions, including on (1) senior Russian military officials responsible for planning or executing military operations that violated Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity, and (2) foreign individuals or entities that acted on behalf of Russia's government to destabilize Ukraine or disrupt Ukraine's critical infrastructure. The bill also addresses additional matters, including (1) prohibiting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from sponsoring visas for Russian nationals affiliated with ROSCOSMOS, the entity that implements Russia's space program; (2) authorizing Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to explore opening new bureaus to reach audiences on Russia's periphery; and (3) providing for expedited approval of natural gas exports to qualifying nations, including NATO members, whereas currently expedited approval is only available for exports to countries that are in a free trade agreement relating to natural gas with the United States.
Sponsors: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]
Target Audience
Population: European and adjacent populations, including Russian and Ukraine citizens, impacted by military actions and sanctions in the NYET Act of 2022
Estimated Size: 1000000
- Ukraine is specified as a primary recipient of security assistance and foreign military financing, directly impacting its population.
- Other European countries dealing with Russian aggression will also be affected due to additional military financing and support.
- Russian military officials and strategists will be impacted by sanctions, directly influencing the senior military and defense sectors in Russia.
- Entities and individuals acting on behalf of the Russian government may face sanctions, affecting their economic and operational capabilities.
- The increase in propaganda countermeasures and funding to organizations like Radio Free Europe could impact populations across Europe whose opinions and behaviors might be influenced by heightened media attention.
- Citizens of countries that experience economic ripple effects due to sanctions or changes in defense priorities might see impacts, although indirect, they could affect millions.
- Ukrainian citizens may see an improvement in their national security environment, affecting their daily lives and sense of wellbeing.
- Sanctions against Russian entities could indirectly impact Russian citizens economically.
- The legislation might affect the global natural gas market, influencing countries reliant on Russian gas exports, including NATO nations.
- Broader geopolitical stability or instability resulting from these actions could indirectly affect the global population.
Reasoning
- The US population directly impacted by this policy is likely formed by individuals working in defense, energy sectors, or organizations implementing the sanctions and support elsewhere, as well as public opinion influenced by these changes.
- People may experience varied impacts depending on their connection to defense and energy industries, geopolitical engagement, or interest in foreign policy.
- The emotional and wellbeing impact may center around economic changes, job security, perceived national security, and perspectives on international justice.
- Simulated interviews are diverse to capture both direct engagement with industries and indirect sentiment or media influence.
Simulated Interviews
Defense Contractor (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act likely means an uptick in contracts for my company. More work, but also more pressure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Energy Analyst (Houston, Texas)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Export policy changes could open new markets, and that’s exciting, but it also brings volatility.
- Natural gas exports can help stabilize prices here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Media Analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increase in media funding might present more opportunities to counter misinformation.
- There’s a concern about escalating tensions and its global portrayal.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Military Officer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support actions that impose accountability on aggressive actors like Russia.
- I worry about the long-term effects and geopolitical stability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Graduate Student in International Relations (Chicago, IL)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This legislation will provide strong case studies for my research.
- I’m hopeful it supports peace and stability, but aware of the risks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
PR Specialist for an International Energy Firm (Tampa, FL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act can bolster our international business relations, but it requires strategic communication handling.
- Managing international relations is crucial in my role.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Software Developer (Boston, MA)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased tension might elevate cybersecurity demands, positively affecting my industry.
- Economic changes are somewhat unsettling.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Oil and Gas Executive (Austin, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The legislation may stabilize and expand our export capacity in international markets.
- Political unpredictability is a constant worry.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Environmental Activist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Concerns about increased natural gas exports impacting climate goals.
- The geopolitics around this is worrisome.
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 |
Economics Professor (Portland, OR)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Sanctions can have mixed outcomes, yet they’re necessary tools.
- The bill’s impacts on trade and economy will add important data to my research.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $550000000)
Year 2: $520000000 (Low: $470000000, High: $570000000)
Year 3: $540000000 (Low: $490000000, High: $590000000)
Year 5: $580000000 (Low: $530000000, High: $630000000)
Year 10: $650000000 (Low: $580000000, High: $720000000)
Year 100: $1200000000 (Low: $1100000000, High: $1300000000)
Key Considerations
- International response and geopolitical shifts influenced by this Act could affect costs and benefits.
- Enforcement of and compliance with sanctions are variable and pose potential challenges.
- Long-term impacts on U.S. foreign relations and military strategy need consideration.