Bill Overview
Title: PUPPETS Act of 2022
Description: This bill designates specified entities as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorist organizations. The bill also prohibits the Department of Defense from taking any action that implies recognition of the sovereignty of such entities over territory or airspace claimed by the governments of Ukraine, Moldova, or Georgia. Entities subject to this bill include any entities holding themselves out to be the governments of any region of Ukraine that was not elected through elections in 2019 or 2020, the Pridnestrovian Moldovian Republic, the Republic of South Ossetia, or the Republic of Abkhazia.
Sponsors: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: People living in contested regions of Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia
Estimated Size: 1000
- The bill designates certain entities as terrorist organizations that control regions in Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.
- These regions include areas in Ukraine contested by separatists after 2019, and the self-proclaimed regions in Moldova (Transnistria) and Georgia (Abkhazia and South Ossetia).
- People residing in these regions may be directly affected due to changes in international policy and sanctions.
- The bill could also affect diplomatic relations and economic conditions in these regions, impacting residents' lives.
Reasoning
- The PUPPETS Act of 2022 predominantly influences foreign relations and national security interests, primarily aligning with U.S. strategic interests in the region of Eastern Europe. There are minimal direct effects on the average American citizen since U.S. citizens tend not to reside or invest significantly in these regions. However, professionals in foreign policy, defense, and international business might experience more pronounced changes due to this bill.
- The simulated interviews will focus on individuals within the U.S. who are either involved in geopolitical analysis, work in international relations, are part of the Eastern European diaspora, or are affiliated with defense contractors and NGOs operating near the designated regions.
- Considering the distribution affects primarily policy-centric and diplomatic engagements, only some segments in the U.S. perceive high impacts—specifically high-contact roles with Eastern Europe.
Simulated Interviews
Defense Contractor (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is necessary to maintain security interests in Eastern Europe.
- It may impact certain operations and require adjustments in our strategy.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
International Relations Specialist (New York City, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy signals a strong stance against illegitimate regimes.
- There might be more bureaucratic processes involved in international collaborations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Tech Company Employee (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned this may indirectly affect our operations.
- Policy could increase tensions, possibly affecting our market strategy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
University Professor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act appears to reinforce U.S. commitment to international law.
- It could be an interesting topic for my classes and research.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Freelance Journalist (Miami, FL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with proactive foreign policy.
- Coverage of these areas will become crucial for journalism.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
NGO Worker (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might complicate fundraising, but support local government efforts.
- Peace work in these areas might require reassessment.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Software Developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I read about these issues but don't think it impacts me directly.
- I'm glad to see assertive policies from the U.S. though.
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 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Military Officer (Houston, TX)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Military policies like these are expected responses to global tensions.
- They reflect a continued international stance, which I think is wise.
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 | 6 | 6 |
Geopolitical Analyst (Austin, TX)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy adds to Western defenses against illicit claims.
- This will play into market forecasts and impact economic stability analyses.
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 |
Software Company Owner (Columbus, OH)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our business depends on stability; anything that helps is welcome.
- Policy might complicate local operations but is strategically sound.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $10000000)
Year 2: $5200000 (Low: $2100000, High: $10400000)
Year 3: $5408000 (Low: $2184000, High: $10816000)
Year 5: $5832000 (Low: $2352000, High: $11664000)
Year 10: $6500000 (Low: $2600000, High: $13000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy implements sanctions and designations, which require international cooperation and robust diplomatic support.
- Monitoring and intelligence resources may require redirection or enhancement to effectively manage the designations under the bill.
- Impacts on international trade and military engagements should be assessed continuously to adjust strategies based on evolving geopolitical factors.