Bill Overview
Title: Oligarch Assets for Ukrainian Victory Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Justice to transfer to the Department of State the proceeds of property that was seized pursuant to sanctions imposed on individuals and entities involved with certain Russian government activities (e.g., malicious cyber activities and interference in U.S. elections), to be used to provide assistance to Ukraine to remediate harms caused by Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
Sponsors: Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
Target Audience
Population: Ukrainians impacted by Russian aggression
Estimated Size: 5000
- The change impacts sanctioned individuals and entities, primarily Russian oligarchs, whose assets are seized by the U.S. government.
- Additionally, it indirectly affects Russian government officials involved in antagonistic actions towards other countries.
- The Ukrainian population, as primary beneficiaries of the aid provided by the Department of State, are indirectly impacted as the bill aims to support their recovery efforts.
Reasoning
- The policy is designed to impact Russian individuals sanctioned by the U.S. by reallocating their seized assets to Ukraine. However, the effects on the general U.S. population are minimal.
- American citizens with personal, familial, or business ties to Ukraine may feel a sense of satisfaction or improved wellbeing through indirect economic and humanitarian improvement in Ukraine.
- Given the policy's nature, most of the U.S. population may experience negligible direct impact on their self-reported wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Tech Entrepreneur (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy is a crucial step in holding those accountable for their actions. Plus, it directly supports the Ukrainian recovery, which is important to me given my family's ties to Ukraine.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Financial Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems like a good idea in principle but doesn't directly affect my life. It's addressing international concerns more than domestic ones.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Oil Industry Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't see an immediate impact on my business, I'm aware that geopolitical stability benefits international trade overall.
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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the policy because it seems like a moral responsibility to help Ukraine. It makes me feel positive seeing these actions being taken.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is necessary and should spotlight how international justice can support conflict victims. As a journalist, I'm interested in seeing its effects over time.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Software Developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems distant from my everyday life. I don't see it changing much for me directly.
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 |
University Professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I find the policy encouraging, as it indicates a proactive step in international justice, vital for long-term peace 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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Graphic Designer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative makes sense globally, but in terms of my direct life impact, it's negligible.
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 |
Nonprofit Worker (Austin, TX)
Age: 37 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this restore some faith in global support networks. While my workload might increase, it should positively influence aid effectiveness.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Sales Associate (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the policy as it seems just and will help people like my parents' friends who are still in Ukraine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $1000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- There are complexities in asset liquidation and legal challenges from the asset holders that could delay or alter expected funds.
- The geopolitical situation can impact the effectiveness and need for further related policies.
- Coordination between DOJ and State Dept. is crucial for smooth implementation.