Bill Overview
Title: Justice for American Victims Of Terrorism Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires certain funds seized from Da Afghanistan Bank pursuant to a February 11, 2022, executive order to be transferred to the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, which provides compensation to certain U.S. persons injured in acts of international state-sponsored terrorism.
Sponsors: Rep. Weber, Randy K., Sr. [R-TX-14]
Target Audience
Population: US persons injured in acts of international state-sponsored terrorism
Estimated Size: 20000
- The bill specifies U.S. persons injured in acts of international state-sponsored terrorism as the beneficiaries.
- Such individuals are eligible to receive compensation from the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund.
- The compensation is funded by money seized from Da Afghanistan Bank, affecting US citizens who are impacted by international state-sponsored terrorism.
Reasoning
- The policy affects a small group of people in the US, particularly victims of international state-sponsored terrorism. This includes people who might have been injured in such attacks or their families.
- Considering the budget constraints of $0 USD in the first year and over a decade, the impact of this policy is minimal unless funds become available through specific interventions like the seizure of funds from foreign entities as specified.
- The simulation includes people directly impacted by this policy and others who are aware but not directly affected to provide a broader view of its perception.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Military Officer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My wellbeing today is affected by the compensation I have received, but more funds would help me cover ongoing medical expenses.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Software Engineer (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While we're grateful for any compensation that helps our family, the struggle with loss isn't primarily financial.
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 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Non-profit Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for the families who need financial support during their ongoing recovery.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Physician (Houston, TX)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The support this fund gives can be fundamental, but its reach should expand to offer more inclusive services for long-term care.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Financial assistance from such policies underscores the broader notion of security and remembrance.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Journalist (Boston, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy symbolizes government's effort but lacks the consistent financial engagement needed.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More financial support can ease the emotional heavy lifting we deal with daily.
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 |
IT Specialist (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The compensation helps, but navigating the bureaucracy to access these funds is exhausting.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Lawyer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Securing these funds is a critical step for justice but needs better management and faster disbursement.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Business Owner (Seattle, WA)
Age: 44 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Financial aid offers a form of relief but doesn't restore the human loss.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $0 (Low: $0, High: $1000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $1000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $1000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $1000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $1000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $1000000)
Key Considerations
- The transfer of funds is a reallocation of existing resources rather than new expenditures or cuts.
- Administrative and processing expenses associated with the fund may marginally increase but are expected to be minor.
- Long-term effects on victims' financial stability and potential legal savings.
- The number of eligible beneficiaries might fluctuate, thereby affecting long-term fund allocations and disbursement timelines.