Bill Overview
Title: United States-Ecuador Partnership Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires and authorizes actions to strengthen the U.S.-Ecuador relationship. The President may transfer two excess Coast Guard vessels to Ecuador if there is sufficient capacity to maintain the vessels. The Department of State must develop and implement a strategy to strengthen commercial and economic ties between the United States and Ecuador, including by (1) promoting cooperation and information sharing to increase trade and investment opportunities, and (2) supporting efforts by Ecuador's government to promote a more open and competitive business environment. The State Department must also develop and implement a strategy to increase the capacity of Ecuador's justice system and law enforcement to combat crime, corruption, and the harmful influence of malign foreign and domestic actors. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) must develop and implement a strategy to support inclusive economic development across Ecuador's national territory, including by facilitating increased access to financing and investment for small- and medium-sized businesses. USAID must also, by working through appropriate nonprofit organizations, develop and implement programs to provide training and technical assistance to strengthen the National Assembly of Ecuador. USAID must also develop and implement programs to improve ecosystem conservation and enhance the effective stewardship of Ecuador's natural resources. The State Department and USAID must periodically report to Congress on the implementation of these strategies and programs.
Sponsors: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Target Audience
Population: People in Ecuador
Estimated Size: 25000
- The bill involves transferring U.S. Coast Guard vessels to Ecuador, directly impacting Ecuador's maritime capabilities and indirectly affecting regional security and trade.
- The strengthening of U.S.-Ecuador economic ties will benefit businesses and investors in both countries, specifically those involved in trade between the two nations.
- Efforts to improve the business environment in Ecuador will impact both Ecuadorian businesses and international corporations interested in investing in Ecuador.
- Enhancements to Ecuador's justice system and anti-corruption measures will potentially reduce crime and improve civil society in Ecuador, affecting all its citizens.
- USAID's strategies to support economic development and business financing will help small- to medium-sized enterprises in Ecuador, significantly impacting their employees and communities.
- Training and assistance for Ecuador's National Assembly will impact Ecuadorian governance, which can indirectly benefit the citizenry.
- Improving ecosystem conservation in Ecuador has global environmental benefits, but it directly affects people living in ecologically fragile areas of Ecuador.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts individuals in the U.S. who have ties to Ecuador, such as business professionals, environmentalists, and those in international relations. These Americans may benefit from new economic opportunities, enhancements in regional security, and potential environmental preservation efforts.
- The policy budget limits suggest it will initially impact a relatively small but significant group of Americans, likely those engaged in niche areas like international trade, environmental conservation, and global security consulting.
- We must consider inclusion of people not directly impacted to account for common citizens who may not feel any change in wellbeing due to the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Export Manager (Miami, FL)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe stronger ties with Ecuador could open up more trade routes and business opportunities for my company.
- I am optimistic about the potential economic benefits, but critical about actual implementation details.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
International Development Consultant (New York, NY)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Developing stronger economic strategies with Ecuador aligns exactly with the kind of projects I work on.
- Excited to see how this policy will help further regional stability and economic growth - both crucial for development work.
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 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Environmental Scientist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ecuador's ecosystems are critical for global biodiversity; any policy supporting this is beneficial.
- Concerned about policy effectiveness, but it's definitely a step in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Oil Industry Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any move to stabilize Ecuador economically and politically is good news for our interests.
- Hope the investment in Ecuador's justice system reduces corruption, which is a major business concern.
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 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been interested in seeing programs that support education and governance improvements in Ecuador.
- Supportive of policy efforts but skeptical if it'll reach educational sectors in meaningful ways.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
CEO of Startup in Green Tech (Portland, OR)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ecosystem conservation part of the policy catches my interest, aligns with our expansion vision.
- Timing and resource allocation will be key to see actual benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Software Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see how this impacts me directly since my work doesn't relate to Ecuador.
- It's like a distant policy to me, doesn't change much in my personal or professional life.
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 |
Freelance Journalist (San Diego, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Strengthening trade relations and support for Ecuador's governance are important for regional reporting.
- Success could lead to more engaging stories and a greater platform for my work.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Supply Chain Analyst (Austin, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased trade and better governance in Ecuador could streamline our data processes.
- Policy will influence long-term data trends that I track professionally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Graduate Student in Environmental Policy (Boston, MA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy aligns well with my academic interests and potential career path.
- Would love to see tangible outcomes in conserving Ecuador's natural habitats.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $8000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $10000000)
Year 2: $7000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Year 3: $7000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Year 5: $7000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Year 10: $7000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Year 100: $7000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $9000000)
Key Considerations
- Monitoring effectiveness of aid and development strategies to ensure targeted economic improvements.
- Potential geopolitical implications of enhanced U.S.-Ecuador relations, influencing regional dynamics.
- Ecuador's domestic capacity to implement reforms and improvements will be crucial for success.
- Environmental programs' effect on global climate commitments.