Bill Overview
Title: To require the Comptroller General of the United States to assess the efforts of the Secretary of Defense with respect to the National Defense Stockpile, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the efforts of the Department of Defense with respect to the National Defense Stockpile. The GAO must also provide a briefing on the findings and recommendations of the report.
Sponsors: Rep. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI-8]
Target Audience
Population: People involved in or reliant on the United States National Defense Stockpile
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The bill pertains to the National Defense Stockpile managed by the Department of Defense.
- The National Defense Stockpile ensures that the U.S. has access to critical materials in times of national emergencies.
- This bill involves assessing and potentially improving the stockpile's effectiveness which could impact defense readiness.
- Employees of the Department of Defense may need to implement changes based on the report findings.
- Industries involved in mining, refining, and producing critical materials might see shifts in demand or regulations.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses on assessing the National Defense Stockpile, which is crucial for U.S. military and national security. Thus, the primary group impacted includes those working within the Department of Defense, defense contractors, and industries supplying critical materials.
- Considering the budget constraints, direct funding would likely be allocated towards increased labor for assessment and potential process improvements rather than extensive supply chain changes.
- Individual impact would be more prominent among employees whose roles are directly tied to the stockpile operations or those in industries that could see altered demand based on the findings of the GAO report.
- Some population segments, such as general civilians or employees in unrelated sectors, would not perceive a direct impact from this policy, given its specific defense-related scope.
Simulated Interviews
Defense Procurement Analyst (Virginia)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this report could lead to necessary improvements in how we manage critical resources.
- There might be increased workloads initially, but it’s critical for national security.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Geological Consultant (Colorado)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful the findings will drive demand for more ethical and environmentally friendly mining practices.
- Any changes could benefit both my clients and the broader environment.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Manufacturing Plant Manager (Michigan)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Depending on the outcomes, there could be increased production demands.
- It will be important to stay adaptable to any new regulations or standards that could arise.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Logistics Coordinator (Florida)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streamlined processes are expected which could improve efficiency.
- However, transitional phases might bring temporary challenges.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Mineral Rights Lawyer (Texas)
Age: 39 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Potential policy changes could increase the need for legal services around compliance.
- This could be a stringent period for ensuring contractual standards and rights are upheld.
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 | 4 | 3 |
Environmental Scientist (California)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If the report considers environmental impacts, there could be positive change.
- I’m optimistic about the incorporation of sustainable practices.
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 | 5 |
Defense Policy Advisor (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The report is likely to shed light on strategic gaps in current practices.
- Ensuring that we have robust stockpile management is a crucial task.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Military Logistics Officer (Alabama)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving the management of stockpile resources is necessary for operational success.
- I'm eager to see due diligence followed by actionable insights.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Military Officer (Ohio)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having seen past inefficiencies, it’s good to know these efforts are being made.
- It’s important for current military operations and fiscal responsibility.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Supply Chain Management CEO (New York)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The potential increase in demand for consulting services means this could be favorable for business.
- Rising needs for efficiency and compliance could boost our client deals.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill aims to improve oversight and effectiveness of the National Defense Stockpile, crucial for national security.
- Assessment findings may influence future legislative or strategic changes in how the United States handles its strategic reserves.
- Given the growing global geopolitical tensions, ensuring a robust national defense stockpile is critical.