Bill Overview
Title: Indo-Pacific Engagement Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to, in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development, report annually to Congress an assessment of the resources and activities needed to achieve certain U.S. objectives in the Indo-Pacific region, such as enhancing diplomatic and economic relations with regional allies and partners and countering any malign influence of China's government.
Sponsors: Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-7]
Target Audience
Population: People living in the Indo-Pacific region
Estimated Size: 40000000
- The Indo-Pacific Engagement Act focuses on the Indo-Pacific region, which includes countries like India, Japan, Australia, and numerous Southeast Asian nations.
- The bill's aim to enhance diplomatic and economic relations means that it will impact government officials and diplomatic entities in these countries.
- The enhancement of economic relations suggests that businesses engaged in international trade and economic activities between the US and this region will be impacted.
- Efforts to counter China's influence may affect policies and individuals involved in regional security and defense.
- The overall improvement of relations may lead to cultural and social impacts among people of the Indo-Pacific region who engage with the US through exchange programs, tourism, or business.
Reasoning
- The Indo-Pacific Engagement Act primarily influences U.S. diplomatic and economic activities, thereby affecting stakeholders in foreign policy, international business, and cultural exchanges.
- The policy's impact on individual well-being will be most noticeable among Americans involved in international trade, diplomacy, expats, and communities connected with the Indo-Pacific region.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy will likely engender subtle shifts in wellbeing rather than drastic changes, particularly more so for those with indirect involvement.
Simulated Interviews
International Business Executive (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy could foster better business relations with new markets in the Indo-Pacific region.
- There might be increased exports which could bolster our business.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Government Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Act will provide clarity and direction for U.S. policy in a crucial region.
- It could lead to more structured diplomatic efforts.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tech Entrepreneur (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might open up new partnership opportunities in the region.
- However, it's uncertain how much my specific business will benefit directly.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Importer/Exporter (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving relations may lower tariffs or ease trade restrictions.
- There's a risk that focus might shift resources from other regions where I do business.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
University Professor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative may lead to more academic partnerships and exchanges.
- I am concerned about increased politicization of our academic field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Oil and Gas Consultant (Houston, TX)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Enhanced diplomacy may secure more stable conditions for energy projects.
- However, it may lead to increased scrutiny of investments.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could increase job prospects in the foreign service related to the Indo-Pacific region.
- Greater focus on this area can enrich my educational experience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Non-profit Coordinator (Miami, FL)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Such policies often foster more cultural and academic exchanges.
- However, I worry that increased security concerns might overshadow cultural efforts.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cultural Exchange Program Director (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might streamline processes for student exchanges.
- There is a risk of misallocation of resources if not properly overseen.
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 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Tourism Agency Manager (Austin, TX)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policymaking in the region could boost tourism by improving safety perceptions and easing travel restrictions.
- There is potential for increased bureaucratic travel hurdles.
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 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 2: $210000000 (Low: $157500000, High: $262500000)
Year 3: $220500000 (Low: $165375000, High: $275625000)
Year 5: $242550000 (Low: $181912500, High: $302187500)
Year 10: $293505000 (Low: $220128750, High: $366881250)
Year 100: $6115033656 (Low: $4586275242, High: $7643792070)
Key Considerations
- The costs may fluctuate based on geopolitical changes, requiring flexible budget allocations.
- Long-term benefits might include strategic advantages in trade and regional security, though difficult to quantify.
- Promotion of cultural and educational exchanges may indirectly support US soft power in the region, potentially reducing long-term diplomatic costs.