Bill Overview
Title: Pacific Islands Embassies Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to establish U.S. embassies in Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga.
Sponsors: Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6]
Target Audience
Population: People in Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga
Estimated Size: 1000
- Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga are three Pacific Island countries with their own populations.
- Establishing U.S. embassies in these countries would impact local populations in terms of diplomatic engagement, services, and development assistance.
- U.S. nationals living in these countries or involved in diplomatic services may be affected by the establishment of these embassies.
- Business and tourism engagements could increase due to enhanced diplomatic relationships.
- Each of these countries has a relatively small population.
- Improved diplomatic relations may lead to better economic and social outcomes for the local populations.
- Embassies often provide services that can benefit both nationals and expatriates living or working in these countries.
Reasoning
- The policy affects a very niche group of people in the U.S., primarily those connected to diplomatic services, those residing in Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga, and businesses engaging with these countries.
- The demographic of U.S. citizens residing or having interests in Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga is relatively small, but they would be directly affected by improved consular services.
- Embassy staff and their families will experience a significant change with the establishment of these new embassies, impacting their wellbeing positively due to safer and more structured work environments.
- General U.S. population won't feel a significant direct impact from this policy, hence the representation of people with 'none' impact.
Simulated Interviews
Diplomat (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to set up and work in a new embassy.
- This move represents career growth and personal satisfaction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Business Consultant (Hawaii)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having embassies will streamline business operations.
- Consular support enhances safety during my travels.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Tourist Agency Worker (Chicago)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could boost tourism to these countries.
- More clients will mean more work, but also more revenue.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired (Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An embassy in Tonga will provide peace of mind while abroad.
- I will feel more secure knowing there's a U.S. presence near.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Student (New York)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy expands U.S. diplomatic horizons, interesting for my studies.
- Direct impact on me is minimal.
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 | 7 | 7 |
Policy Analyst (Washington D.C.)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Establishing embassies will foster stronger diplomatic ties, which is beneficial.
- The direct impact on daily life is 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 |
Retired (Florida)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved consular services are always welcome.
- The policy reinforces my safety.
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 | 6 |
Journalist (San Francisco)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Embassies can lead to more significant stories and insights.
- Increased accessibility to information might occur.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Entrepreneur (New Jersey)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- U.S. embassies can provide a platform for expanding business adventures.
- On-the-ground support is fundamental.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
IT Specialist (Atlanta)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having an embassy in Tonga creates a more stable connection with my heritage.
- Consular access is now direct.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $31000000 (Low: $27000000, High: $35000000)
Year 2: $25000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $28000000)
Year 3: $25000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $28000000)
Year 5: $25000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $28000000)
Year 10: $25000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $28000000)
Year 100: $25000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $28000000)
Key Considerations
- Initial capital investment for construction or leasing of embassy properties.
- Staffing requirements, including recruitment and training of diplomatic and administrative personnel.
- Logistical and operational challenges in remote island nations, affecting supply chains.
- Potential for improved trade and diplomatic relations, albeit indirectly measured.