Bill Overview
Title: ACRA Act
Description: The bill requires the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to provide assistance to suspected victims, survivors, and witnesses of war crimes; establishes a Ukraine victims trust fund; and establishes a Ukraine atrocity crimes rewards fund. The bill also allows the International Criminal Court to conduct limited activities in the United States relating solely to foreign nationals suspected of committing war crimes in Ukraine.
Sponsors: Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]
Target Audience
Population: Victims, survivors, and witnesses of war crimes, especially in Ukraine
Estimated Size: 5000
- The bill aims to assist victims, survivors, and witnesses of war crimes, particularly those related to ongoing conflicts such as in Ukraine.
- The establishment of a Ukraine victims trust fund and atrocity crimes rewards fund suggests a significant focus on those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
- It also suggests an international scope as it involves foreign nationals accused of war crimes, which implies a global target group.
- The involvement of the International Criminal Court (ICC) indicates a broader effort to support international justice, affecting individuals in various countries beyond the US and Ukraine.
Reasoning
- The target population in the U.S. is primarily those indirectly affected by the policy, such as people involved in humanitarian efforts or those with Ukrainian connections.
- Only individuals with direct or indirect involvement with Ukraine or international justice issues related to war crimes are likely to be impacted.
- Given the policy's budget constraints, the financial assistance might not reach many individuals directly, but could contribute to broader judicial efforts leading to indirect effects.
Simulated Interviews
Human Rights Lawyer (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the ACRA Act is a step in the right direction for international justice.
- It's crucial for victims and survivors of war crimes to have financial and legal support.
- I hope this sets a precedent for handling other global conflicts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
NGO Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad the U.S. is taking a stand to support Ukraine through legal means.
- Funding for victims is essential, but it needs to be efficiently managed.
- I hope other countries will follow the U.S.'s lead.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
University Professor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy embodies a critical intervention in global justice.
- It could serve as a valuable research case study in international law courses.
- I'm curious about the long-term effectiveness of such initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Government Employee (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act is a strategic move for the U.S. in international law proceedings.
- It aligns with ongoing U.S. foreign policy directives.
- I see this as a potentially powerful tool for diplomatic relations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Tech Entrepreneur (Seattle, WA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's encouraging to see tech being used for accountability in war crimes.
- My company might have opportunities to contribute tech solutions through this policy.
- I think transparency will be key to its success.
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 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Social Worker (Austin, TX)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this act will enhance support for immigrants affected by conflicts.
- A systemic solution that combines relief and accountability is needed.
- I'm optimistic, but cautious about the actual implementation.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Retired Diplomat (Miami, FL)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could reinforce U.S. leadership in peace and justice.
- It's ambitious, and the ICC involvement is particularly noteworthy.
- I am interested in seeing how this approach affects diplomatic relations.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Graduate Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ACRA Act is an exciting prospect for my field.
- It's inspiring to see real-world applications of what I learn.
- I hope to contribute through research and policy analysis.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Business Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There are potential CSR opportunities related to this policy.
- Businesses should align with ethical frameworks it supports.
- The funding aspect might influence international trade dynamics.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Freelance Journalist (Portland, OR)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen the impact of conflicts firsthand; this policy feels timely.
- It's essential to channel resources efficiently to the ground.
- I see this as a boost for investigative journalism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2500000000)
Year 2: $2000000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2500000000)
Year 3: $2000000000 (Low: $1500000000, High: $2500000000)
Year 5: $2100000000 (Low: $1600000000, High: $2600000000)
Year 10: $2200000000 (Low: $1700000000, High: $2700000000)
Year 100: $3000000000 (Low: $2500000000, High: $3500000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy enhances international justice efforts and may strengthen global alliances.
- Managing the funds and ensuring appropriate use of resources for victims and legal processes is crucial.
- Risk of ineffective spending if not guided by clear objectives and oversight.
- The complexity of international legal processes could lead to higher administrative costs.