Bill Overview
Title: Fairness for 9/11 Families Act
Description: This bill authorizes and provides funding for lump-sum catch-up payments from the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund to 9/11 victims, 9/11 spouses, and 9/11 dependents. The bill also rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided to the Small Business Administration for the Paycheck Protection Program.
Sponsors: Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-10]
Target Audience
Population: 9/11 victims, 9/11 spouses, and 9/11 dependents
Estimated Size: 10800
- The bill aims to provide funds to the 9/11 victims, their spouses, and dependents.
- Approximately 3,000 people died due to the 9/11 attacks, leaving behind potential spouses and dependents.
- Considering an average family size, each deceased individual may have left at least 3-4 dependents or affected family members.
- Also considering survivors of the attacks who might have sustained injuries or health-related issues due to the attacks.
- Immediate family members of the deceased victims will also be impacted as dependents.
- Estimation also includes individuals who have been previously recognized by 9/11 compensation or assistance programs.
Reasoning
- The target population for this act is fairly small, consisting primarily of those directly affected by the 9/11 attacks.
- Considering the size limit, a significant number of the US population will not see any direct impact from this policy.
- The budget constraints imply that while substantial, the funds must be distributed among a limited group, hence may not deeply affect the wider economy.
- Including perspectives from people who won't be directly impacted helps gauge the overall sentiment towards reshuffling federal funds.
Simulated Interviews
Nurse (New York City, NY)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will be a lifeline for my family and those like us who have struggled for years.
- I hope these funds will help pay off some debts and ensure a better future for my children.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Government Worker (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 44 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will aid some of those still suffering from that day, but the reallocation from PPP funds could affect small businesses.
- I don't expect to personally benefit from this policy.
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 |
Small Business Owner (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Redirecting funds from the SBA could hurt businesses like mine already struggling post-pandemic.
- I empathize with 9/11 families but fear the economic impact on entrepreneurs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Retired (Boston, MA)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's heartening to see continued support for 9/11 families.
- This policy may provide some much-needed relief to those still struggling.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Software Engineer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It seems fair to compensate those affected, but personally, I don't see how it impacts me directly.
- Programs assisting recent challenges, like student debt, feel more immediate to me.
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 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 73 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The symbolic gesture of continuing to support 9/11 families is essential.
- I’m glad resources are being allocated responsibly, even after so many years.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Student (Newark, NJ)
Age: 15 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My family has told me how the aftermath of 9/11 impacted us financially.
- The policy might not impact me immediately, but it reassures stability for our future.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Financial Analyst (Houston, TX)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reallocation could affect market dynamics more than anticipated.
- I can't say I'd feel a personal impact, but macroeconomic shifts are my concern.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Construction Worker (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I still face health issues so any additional support is welcome.
- Policy might not resolve everything but any help is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Real Estate Agent (Miami, FL)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the need to prioritize 9/11 families but worry about financial misallocations.
- Housing markets in big cities might also feel a shifted policy impact over time.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1620000000 (Low: $1458000000, High: $1782000000)
Year 2: $1620000000 (Low: $1458000000, High: $1782000000)
Year 3: $1620000000 (Low: $1458000000, High: $1782000000)
Year 5: $1620000000 (Low: $1458000000, High: $1782000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Impact on federal budget allocation to different sectors needs assessment due to reallocation of SBA funds.
- Compensatory payments might set precedents or expectations for future state-sponsored terrorism impacts.
- Administrative overheads in disbursing lump sums should be efficiently managed.