Bill Overview
Title: Masks for All Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to manufacture and distribute N-95 respirator masks to every individual in the United States and to provide N-95 masks to all individuals working in health care settings in the United States that are experiencing a shortage of such masks. FEMA must provide the masks at no cost to individuals and deliver them, to the greatest extent possible, using the U.S. Postal Service. Additionally, FEMA shall designate mask pickup sites in each community and shall provide masks to each site, allocated according to population; consider new designs for masks to improve comfort, fit, and size options; and submit to Congress a strategic plan that includes monthly, measurable targets to eliminate shortages and increase domestic production of N-95 masks and to fulfill all other requirements of this bill. The President shall make use of any and all available authorities (including emergency authorities) at the disposal of the federal government to procure and domestically manufacture N-95 masks and support the domestic manufacturing of N-95 masks.
Sponsors: Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in the United States
Estimated Size: 300000000
- The bill aims to distribute masks to everyone in the United States, indicating the entire U.S. population is the target.
- As of 2022, the United States population is estimated to be around 332 million people.
- The bill specifically mentions individuals in the U.S., including those in healthcare settings, which would thus include all residents regardless of citizenship status.
- Some people may not be directly impacted as they may have access to masks through other means, but the bill modifies access by ensuring masks are free and conveniently distributed.
Reasoning
- The policy is intended to affect the entire U.S. population, estimated to be around 332 million people in 2022. However, the actual direct impact will vary across different groups depending on their existing access to N-95 masks, their occupation, and their daily activities.
- The health and socioeconomic status of individuals may affect how the policy impacts them. Those in healthcare and essential worker roles might see a more immediate benefit due to their higher exposure risk, thereby improving access and possibly reducing anxiety related to shortages.
- Considering budgetary constraints, the program is expected to prioritize equitable distribution to higher need areas and populations first, which might mean some areas with lesser COVID-19 impact could experience lower immediate benefit.
- The distribution via postal service and community sites aims to reach most individuals, but logistical challenges might limit perfect execution, potentially affecting rural and densely populated urban areas differently.
- Well-being scores are impacted not just by mask availability but also by broader societal factors including health risks, economic stability, and social behavior norms emerging from widespread mask availability.
Simulated Interviews
Nurse (New York City, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to masks directly impacts my work environment and safety.
- This policy ensures I can focus more on patient care than on logistics of mask procurement.
- Helps reduce shortages—important given high demand in healthcare.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Restaurant Worker (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having masks provided helps me avoid additional costs.
- It's important for customer interaction—I feel safer for both me and them.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Retired (Rural Kentucky)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s comforting knowing I have adequate protection without relying on scarce local stores.
- The postal distribution is crucial for someone like me who can't travel far.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
College Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Helps keep campus life safer—key since we're always around others.
- Ease of access means I can participate in activities without constant worry about exposure.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Software Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While beneficial for those who go out more, impact on my daily life is minor.
- Ensures ease when masks are needed for occasional outings and family safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
High School Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Makes classroom management easier knowing all students can have a mask.
- My health vulnerability makes this policy especially reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Freelance Artist (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Creative spaces require flexibility and safety, masks make it easier.
- Avoids the financial strain of buying quality masks regularly.
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 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Retired Doctor (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This reduces burden on clinics like ones I volunteer at, frees up resources for direct care.
- Helps protect elderly population like myself with accessible masks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Tech Startup Employee (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Masks allow more freedom in participating in community and work settings.
- Program design helps ensure I always have a mask when needed without disrupting daily life.
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 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Logistics Manager (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Provides necessary protection for staff handling shipments, crucial for keeping operation smooth.
- Important given the public interface and goods handling nature of my job.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $2000000000)
Year 2: $500000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $1000000000)
Year 3: $500000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $1000000000)
Year 5: $500000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $1000000000)
Year 10: $500000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $1000000000)
Year 100: $500000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $1000000000)
Key Considerations
- The scale of distribution is unprecedented as masks need to be provided to every individual in the U.S.
- Manufacturing capacity needs to be expanded rapidly to meet demands, particularly given the goal for increased domestic production.
- Logistical challenges in ensuring equitable distribution to all areas, especially remote or underserved communities.