Bill Overview
Title: To provide a means for Congress to prevent an organization's designation as a foreign terrorist organization from being revoked by the Secretary of State.
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to notify Congress at least 45 days before revoking a designation of an organization as a foreign terrorist organization. Congress may prohibit the revocation by enacting a joint resolution within 45 days of the State Department's notification.
Sponsors: Rep. Pence, Greg [R-IN-6]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals concerned with foreign terrorist organization designations
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The bill concerns organizations designated as foreign terrorist organizations, impacting potentially undermined actors from losing their designation.
- It affects national security agencies and law enforcement who utilize these designations for operational activities.
- Legislation affects diplomatic relations as foreign governments and organizations discuss designations.
- International organizations closely monitor such legal structures, potentially impacting non-US-based welfare.
- The bill involves Congress and the wider political apparatus of the United States.
- Indirectly affects citizens as it influences national security policy and the perception of foreign threat levels.
Reasoning
- The bill primarily affects legislative and diplomatic processes, which means its direct impact on individual American citizens might be limited.
- The policy influences national security indirectly, thus affecting public perception and perceived safety of the population.
- Impact varies based on proximity to factors of national security, such as military personnel or citizens with ties to affected regions.
- Financial impact is negligible to the individual citizens as the budget is geared towards administrative implementation rather than direct public spending.
- Given that the policy involves processes for managing foreign terrorist organization designations, its effects are more political and procedural in nature than personal or economic.
- We expect the greatest impact on those engaged in or concerned with international relations, security policy, and legislative processes.
- Individuals actively engaged or affected by national and international security (e.g., military families, government officials) may experience more pronounced effects. However, the general population will largely remain unimpacted.
Simulated Interviews
National Security Analyst (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy adds a necessary layer of accountability and foresight.
- Increased transparency with Congress strengthens checks and balances.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Nonprofit Director (New York, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy helps ensure that changes in FTO designations are well-considered and appropriately timed.
- It might lead to improved diplomatic relations.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Software Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't understand much of the impact, but it seems good to have more oversight.
- It's reassuring to know Congress has a say in important security decisions.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Active Duty Military (San Diego, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better oversight might lead to clearer operational environments.
- Could complicate rapid response needs if politics slow decision-making processes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Retired (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy might streamline understanding of potential threats.
- It's important that Congress remains informed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Journalist (Miami, FL)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy's implications on foreign policy are profound, good transparency measure.
- Might cause friction if there's disagreement between State Department and Congress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Entrepreneur (Austin, TX)
Age: 33 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any measures that stabilize international relations can indirectly benefit business.
- Policy sounds good but unsure of direct impact on me.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Law Professor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This improves oversight and strengthens legislative review in foreign policy.
- Vital for academic critique and public understanding of these designations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Graduate Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy provides valuable context for case studies.
- Useful to see Congress involved more in oversight roles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Public Policy Advisor (Fairfax, VA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Legislative oversight is essential for a balanced foreign policy.
- Potential for increased bipartisan engagement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000 (Low: $750000, High: $1250000)
Year 2: $1000000 (Low: $750000, High: $1250000)
Year 3: $1000000 (Low: $750000, High: $1250000)
Year 5: $1000000 (Low: $750000, High: $1250000)
Year 10: $1000000 (Low: $750000, High: $1250000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $750000, High: $1250000)
Key Considerations
- The primary cost implications involve administrative procedures and the need for coordination between the Department of State and Congress.
- Given that the bill serves a regulatory function regarding designations, longer-term strategic implications on national security policy are noteworthy.
- The balance of power between legislative and executive branches might shift incrementally, which is a pertinent legal consideration.