Bill Overview
Title: Volunteer Fighters Exemption Act of 2022
Description: This bill temporarily exempts from prosecution individuals who violate certain federal criminal laws related to their participation as combatants in the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine on behalf of Ukraine.
Sponsors: Rep. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK-2]
Target Audience
Population: People participating as volunteer combatants in the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine on behalf of Ukraine
Estimated Size: 1000
- There are numerous Americans who have volunteered to fight in Ukraine since the start of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
- Participation in this kind of conflict may violate federal laws related to acts of war and other illegal warfare activities.
- The exemption would shield these individuals from legal repercussions, which aligns primarily with those currently acting or planning to act as combatants in this specific conflict.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses specifically on individuals who are fighting or have fought in Ukraine as volunteer combatants, exposing them to potential legal risks under current U.S. federal laws.
- The number of Americans estimated to be affected by this policy is relatively small, possibly involving a few hundred to a couple thousand participants, based on available estimates and reports.
- The budget allocations suggest the policy will provide legal support or administrative handling related to the amnesty provision for these volunteers, which is limited in scope due to budgetary constraints.
- Cost limitations likely mean that not all volunteers will be shielded or benefit uniformly, with priority possibly given to those facing more severe legal challenges or possessing significant documentation.
- Potential policy impacts on the broader U.S. population are limited, as it targets a specific, albeit controversial, issue relevant mostly to those actively involved in the conflict.
Simulated Interviews
Former Army Officer (Dallas, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe fighting against Russian aggression is critical, and I'm willing to take the risk.
- Being exempt from legal issues back home would definitely ease my mind and allow me to focus on helping where I'm needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Freelance Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important that those supporting Ukraine aren't penalized for their bravery.
- Although I'm a civilian, knowing volunteers have legal protection helps in documenting their efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Lawyer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This exemption is essential for my clients who are at considerable legal risk upon returning.
- The policy provides a legal precedent that could shape future volunteer participation in international conflicts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even though I had no prior training, I felt compelled to do something meaningful.
- Not having to worry about legal issues when I come back would be a huge relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
College Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Participating in Ukraine was eye-opening, but it also brought potential legal consequences.
- Knowing there's an exemption helps justify my experience to future employers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Veteran Affairs Advocate (Detroit, MI)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial that veterans have legal clarity and support when choosing to fight abroad for causes they believe in.
- This policy would prevent unnecessary legal battles for our veterans returning home.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
IT Specialist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Providing tech support abroad has its legal ambiguities.
- It's comforting that others on the ground have these legal protections; it sets the stage for more stable NGO work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Police Officer (Miami, FL)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although my plans to fight were halted, legal concerns were a significant deterrent.
- Knowing this policy exists definitely impacts my peace of mind and validates support efforts.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
NGO Coordinator (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The exemption is vital to encourage continued support from volunteers without the fear of prosecution.
- This policy helps me make stronger commitments when organizing support efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Human Rights Activist (Boston, MA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Legal protections like this encourage more people to engage with global humanitarian efforts without fear.
- The policy bolsters international volunteerism, paving the way for more engagement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $4500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $4000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $5500000)
Year 5: $3500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $5000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The exemption is strictly temporary and situation-specific, thus limiting broader legal or financial implications.
- Administrative costs may fluctuate depending on the number of individuals needing exemption processing each year.
- The extent of savings depends on avoided expenses from prosecutions that would otherwise take place.