Bill Overview
Title: Western Hemisphere Security Strategy Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of State and the Department of Defense (DOD) to implement a multiyear Western Hemisphere Security Strategy. The strategy must include elements such as (1) a proposal for increasing U.S. bilateral and multilateral security assistance and cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean, (2) activities to counter malign influence from state actors and transnational criminal organizations, (3) efforts to expand bilateral and multinational military training exercises with partner countries, (4) humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiatives, (5) continued support for State Department programs to ensure the safety and rights of women and girls, and (6) a detailed assessment of the resources to carry out the strategy. The State Department and DOD must jointly report the strategy to Congress and also provide periodic briefings on the strategy's implementation. The State Department must also report to Congress on efforts by the Maduro regime of Venezuela to detain U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. The authorities provided under this bill shall terminate three years after this bill's enactment.
Sponsors: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: People in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean
Estimated Size: 8000000
- The strategy involves increasing U.S. bilateral and multilateral security assistance and cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean, which directly affects the population in these regions.
- Activities to counter state actors and transnational criminal organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean could impact millions by potentially reducing crime and increasing regional stability.
- The focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief initiatives has the potential to impact large populations affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises in the region.
- Support for programs to ensure the safety and rights of women and girls in the Western Hemisphere could directly affect a substantial demographic segment.
- The strategy involves military training exercises, affecting military personnel as well as local communities in hosting regions.
- A population impacted would also include individuals involved in the defense and diplomacy sector. This might involve thousands of U.S. military personnel and diplomats.
Reasoning
- The policy is focused on international security, humanitarian aid, and military training within Latin America and Caribbean regions, which primarily affects U.S. citizens through indirect means, such as global security perception and economic stability in the Western Hemisphere.
- A budget constraint indicates limited direct impact on the general U.S. population, with potential indirect effects on specific subgroups, such as expatriates, tourists, and those in defense-related employment.
- The emphasis on safety and rights of women and girls suggests a social benefit particularly to folks involved in global women's rights efforts.
- U.S. military and diplomatic staff might experience direct effects from the policy due to increased involvement in security and training exercises.
Simulated Interviews
Military Officer (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The strategy could enhance regional stability and security, which is crucial for our efforts here.
- Increased activities mean I might spend more time abroad, impacting family life.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Diplomat (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy reflects our ongoing commitment to the Western Hemisphere, which aligns with my work's priorities.
- It will likely increase my workload and travel to the region.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Human Rights Advocate (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy’s commitment to women and girls is a positive step.
- Funding and follow-through will determine the real impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
College Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could offer internships or opportunities through new programs.
- Might lead to more academic focus on Latin America.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Business Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A more stable Latin America can positively affect our business.
- Uncertain about how significant the policy impact will be without substantial funding.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Defense Contractor (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More training exercises could increase our business due to logistic demands.
- This sounds advantageous if implemented effectively.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Academic Professor (San Diego, CA)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increased focus on the Western Hemisphere may expand research opportunities.
- It enhances the relevance of studies in my field, but funding for research remains unclear.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Military (Chicago, IL)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could stabilize the region, reflecting past efforts I supported.
- I am less directly impacted now, but interested in seeing the strategy's results.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Travel Agent (Dallas, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A safer Latin America could boost tourism interest and client safety.
- I'm unsure how direct the security benefits will be.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Research Scientist (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increased humanitarian initiatives are promising for my work.
- Long-term effects may be limited by funding constraints.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000000 (Low: $750000000, High: $1250000000)
Year 2: $1050000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1300000000)
Year 3: $1100000000 (Low: $850000000, High: $1350000000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The strategy's cost primarily hinges on the scale and scope of military, humanitarian, and training operations conducted annually.
- Political dynamics in Latin America and within the U.S. may alter compliance or focus on certain strategic elements.
- Exchange rates and inflation may affect the purchasing power of allocated funds internationally.