Bill Overview
Title: Legacies of War Recognition and Unexploded Ordnance Removal Act
Description: This bill authorizes the President to provide humanitarian aid to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for (1) the clearance of unexploded ordnance, and (2) assistance for survivors of the explosive remnants of war in the region. The President must annually brief Congress on such activities.
Sponsors: Rep. Chabot, Steve [R-OH-1]
Target Audience
Population: People in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia affected by unexploded ordnance
Estimated Size: 0
- The bill impacts the populations of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia directly, as they are the countries receiving aid and assistance for unexploded ordnance clearance.
- These countries have historical legacies of unexploded ordnance due to conflicts such as the Vietnam War.
- Millions of people in these countries could be affected by unexploded ordnance, either through direct injury or by living in contaminated areas that hinder their economic activities and daily lives.
- Survivors of past explosions might receive direct assistance in terms of healthcare, rehabilitation, and social support, improving their quality of life.
Reasoning
- The primary impact on Americans is indirect, focusing on budget allocation and associated economic impacts rather than direct personal safety or well-being improvements.
- Individuals with familial, cultural, or emotional ties to the impacted countries may feel a sense of relief or satisfaction knowing aid is being provided, which might reflect slightly on their well-being.
- Given the scale of the U.S. economy and budget, the allocated amounts are a small percentage, thus the economic impact on the average American is negligible.
- Some segments of the population such as veterans may see this as a positive diplomatic move, indirectly affecting their sense of historical justice or closure, potentially impacting their well-being.
Simulated Interviews
software engineer (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this is a necessary and compassionate move by the U.S. government.
- Having personally known the stories from my father about the war, I believe it helps in building bridges and supporting healing in the region.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
teacher (New York)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm generally supportive of any humanitarian efforts that help countries recover from past war impacts.
- I hope this kind of support can educate our kids about broader shared responsibilities.
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 | 5 | 5 |
veteran (Texas)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act brings a small measure of closure to those of us who served and understand the lasting impacts of war.
- It demonstrates a commitment to global citizenship that the U.S. can be proud of.
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 | 6 |
retired nurse (Florida)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel thankful that America is taking action to help clean up in Vietnam and neighboring countries.
- It's a small step in acknowledging the significance of our shared histories.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
mechanic (Michigan)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I honestly don't pay much attention to what happens overseas. If this is what's needed, then okay.
- As long as it doesn't affect my pay or taxes, I'm neutral.
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: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy reflects well on U.S. commitment to international aid and reconciling past actions.
- It's a progressive step and aligns well with my views on how we should engage globally.
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 | 8 | 8 |
farmer (Ohio)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important to make amends where we can. This seems like a good initiative.
- I'm happy as long as we keep supporting our domestic needs as well.
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 |
business owner (New Jersey)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any assistance that can help the countries of my ancestors is positive.
- This policy could open more secure opportunities for economic partnerships over time.
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 | 7 |
academic researcher (Massachusetts)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Scientifically, such efforts could yield important results, making these areas safer and improving quality of life.
- From a professional standpoint, an excellent case to study the impact of foreign aid.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
college student (Illinois)
Age: 23 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support this policy primarily on humanitarian grounds. It's the moral thing to do.
- It's a practical learning opportunity for someone in my field as well.
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 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 2: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 3: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 5: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 10: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Key Considerations
- The cost estimates are subject to changes in political and economic conditions in the beneficiary countries.
- Coordination with international and local agencies is crucial for effective and timely ordnance clearance and survivor support.
- Economic benefits from ordnance clearance can lead to better health and living conditions, enhancing local human capital.
- The humanitarian aspect of the policy could strengthen the international image of the U.S. as a global partner.