Bill Overview
Title: Legacies of War Recognition and Unexploded Ordnance Removal Act
Description: This bill authorizes the President to provide humanitarian aid to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia for (1) the clearance of unexploded ordnance, and (2) assistance for survivors of the explosive remnants of war in the region. The President must annually brief Congress on such activities.
Sponsors: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Target Audience
Population: People in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia affected by unexploded ordnance
Estimated Size: 500
- The bill is focused on providing aid to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
- The primary concern is unexploded ordnance from past conflicts, particularly from the Vietnam War era.
- Unexploded ordnance can cause injury or death, impacting the safety of individuals living in affected areas.
- Survivors of explosions from unexploded ordnance and their families are directly affected.
- Those involved in clearance operations, such as local deminers and international support staff, will also be impacted.
- Improved safety from ordnance removal will benefit entire communities in affected regions.
Reasoning
- Only a small number of US citizens are directly involved in the implementation of this policy.
- Most of the impact on US citizens would be indirect through cultural, professional, or familial connections to individuals in the impacted regions.
- Those working in relevant NGOs, governmental aid agencies, or have personal connections to Southeast Asia may feel their wellbeing slightly impacted by the policy.
- The budget constraints ensure that only programs directly supporting unexploded ordnance clearance and survivors assistance will be funded, minimizing U.S. domestic impact.
- Interviews focus on individuals with professional or personal ties to the policy’s impact region, offering diverse perspectives based on different types of connection to the policy.
Simulated Interviews
NGO executive director (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is a step in the right direction for healing past wounds.
- It allows us to contribute meaningfully to those who still suffer from the Vietnam War legacy.
- Funding is limited, but every bit helps in this complex and dangerous work.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My family appreciates any help to our home country.
- I feel proud that the US is acknowledging these issues.
- The impact might not be immediate, but it is a good start.
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 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Veteran and retired engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a necessary policy and long overdue.
- I have friends both here and in Vietnam who will be relieved by this work.
- More funding would be ideal, but it's an important gesture.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
International relations specialist (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's critical for US diplomacy and goodwill.
- Provides tangible benefits to war-torn regions that need our help.
- Will require continued monitoring and commitment from US policymakers.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel it’s a moral obligation to aid these countries.
- Technological support can enhance demining efforts.
- Projects like these reflect positively on US technology leadership.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
University professor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s encouraging to see policy focus on humanitarian needs.
- My research can support policy implementation and improvements.
- Hope for more educational partnerships with Southeast Asia.
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 | 7 | 5 |
Private consultant in humanitarian logistics (Seattle, WA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The logistical challenges are immense but surmountable.
- Efforts will require precise coordination and more funding eventually.
- Being part of the solution increases my wellbeing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Military personnel (San Diego, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Supporting international clean-up efforts is vital.
- Ensures fewer injuries and more peaceful futures for families.
- Personal safety experiences frame my support for this policy.
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 | 5 |
Retired teacher (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen the impact unexploded ordnance continues to have.
- The policy may inspire others to engage in humanitarian work.
- A bigger impact would require greater funding and partnerships.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Public health expert (Boston, MA)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The health impact of unexploded ordnance is significant.
- Glad to see health components included in the policy.
- This initiative will resonate within the international health community.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Year 2: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $15000000)
Year 3: $13000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $16000000)
Year 5: $14000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $17000000)
Year 10: $16000000 (Low: $13000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- Unexploded ordnance remains a significant threat to lives in affected regions.
- Funding needs to cover equipment, training, and human resources for demining operations.
- Impact on international relations and humanitarian commitments.