Bill Overview
Title: Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State Act
Description: This bill establishes in the legislative branch a commission to examine the changing nature of diplomacy in the 21st century and ways the Department of State and its personnel can modernize to advance U.S. interests. The commission must offer recommendations related to topics such as (1) the State Department's organizational structure and infrastructure, (2) the link between diplomacy and other core U.S. interests such as defense, and (3) the core legislation that authorizes U.S. diplomacy. The commission must also periodically brief Congress on the commission's work. Within 18 months of this bill's enactment, the commission must provide to Congress and the President its final report of findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The report must also examine all substantive aspects of State Department personnel, management, and operations. The commission shall terminate 60 days after the submission of the final report.
Sponsors: Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals affected by U.S. diplomacy and international relations
Estimated Size: 331000000
- The commission's recommendations are likely focused on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of State, which indirectly affects U.S. citizens through better international relations.
- Improvements in diplomacy and organizational structure at the State Department can have wide-reaching impacts on international policy, trade, and global stability, which affects populations worldwide.
- Reforms suggested by the commission may lead to legislative changes that impact U.S. citizens, especially those related to international travel, trade, and diplomatic services.
- The work of the Department of State affects not just U.S. citizens but also other countries and their citizens due to the interconnected nature of global diplomacy and international policies.
Reasoning
- The policy mainly affects people indirectly through improvements in diplomacy and international relations, thus most ordinary citizens might not immediately perceive changes.
- Some individuals who are more directly involved in international relations or dependent on it, such as those in trade or diplomacy, might see more immediate impact.
- People living in areas with significant international presence, like major cities, or those with vulnerabilities related to international security, might notice changes sooner.
- Citizens with family abroad, engaged in international business, or relying on international policies might also be more perceptive to these changes.
Simulated Interviews
Foreign Service Officer (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the commission could bring much-needed improvements to our diplomatic procedures.
- Modernizing our tools and strategies could enhance our global standing.
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 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
International Trade Consultant (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased efficiency in diplomacy could streamline international trade processes.
- The commission's work might reduce bureaucratic delays that impact my clients.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software Developer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not directly involved in diplomacy, but better policies might ease international tech cooperation.
- Global stability through diplomacy could indirectly benefit tech industries.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired Veteran (Chicago, IL)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From my experience, improved diplomatic relations could prevent unnecessary conflicts.
- Modernizing the State Department's processes could lead to more efficient handling of international issues.
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 |
College Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a future diplomat, changes in the State Department are crucial for my career path.
- This policy appears beneficial for those aspiring to enter public service.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Tourism Industry Professional (Miami, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that stabilizes international relations positively impacts tourism.
- Efficiency in diplomatic processes might enhance the flow of travelers.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Global NGO Director (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might improve collaboration efficiency between NGOs and government agencies.
- A streamlined State Department could accelerate humanitarian efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Oil and Gas Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Modernizing diplomacy could benefit international energy treaties and negotiations.
- Better diplomatic settings might stabilize energy markets.
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 | 6 |
Retired Teacher (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Though I’m retired, I see the importance of effective diplomacy for global peace.
- Reforms could give me greater confidence in national leadership.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Freelance Journalist (Austin, TX)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This commission's findings might provide rich content for analysis and reporting.
- Changes might also improve the transparency and accountability of the State Department.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The commission's recommendations are advisory and their implementation would require further action from Congress or the Department of State.
- The cost estimates consider typical expenses associated with federal commissions, including member compensation, staff support, and operational needs.
- The timeline for the commission is limited to the production and submission of a report, following which it will dissolve.
- The broader impacts hinge on the content and subsequent adoption of recommendations by policymakers.