Bill Overview
Title: United States-Colombia Strategic Alliance Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires and authorizes various activities related to Colombia. For example, the bill requires the Department of State to develop and implement strategies to (1) engage with Colombia's government to combat corruption and the misuse of public resources, (2) support the efforts of Colombia's government in countering narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime, and (3) support the efforts of Colombia's government to provide assistance to various groups that have been affected by natural disasters.
Sponsors: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in Colombia
Estimated Size: 0
- The bill focuses on engaging with Colombia to combat corruption, counter narcotics trafficking, and support those affected by natural disasters.
- Colombia's population is approximately 51 million people, all of whom could be impacted by changes in governance, law enforcement, and disaster response resulting from this legislation.
- The potential reduction in corruption and crime could positively affect quality of life and public safety for many Colombians.
Reasoning
- Considering the policy primarily benefits Colombia through U.S. engagement, the direct impact on individual Americans is limited. However, closer political alliances and better management of narcotics may have indirect ramifications, such as potentially reducing drug trafficking into the U.S.
- With a budget that focuses on strengthening Colombia's internal governance and public security, the impact will mainly be felt abroad. Indirect benefits in the U.S. might include businesses with interests in Colombia experiencing improved conditions.
- For the U.S. population, awareness of international cooperation may improve perceptions of global safety strategies but will not significantly change day-to-day life behaviors or wellbeing.
- In terms of prediction, the policy's influence on any American would largely depend on personal interest in international affairs or direct economic ties to Colombia.
- The sample of simulated responses should highlight various degrees of impact, mainly indirect, felt by individuals engaged in policy, business, international relations, or who have relations in Colombia.
Simulated Interviews
International Trade Analyst (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could ease trade complications with Colombia by reducing corruption and crime, improving business conditions.
- I foresee an improvement in our Colombian partnerships, which could affect my job positively.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Customs Officer (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this policy effectively reduces narcotics flow from Colombia, it might reduce our workload in relation to Colombian drug smuggling.
- Direct effects aren't visible immediately, but hope exists for long-term results.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Human Rights Activist (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This engagement could reduce human rights abuses in Colombia by lessening crime and government corruption.
- I am hopeful but remains cautious; money must be well-spent.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Oil Company Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing corruption helps our operations, predicting increased safety for employees.
- This strengthens our market presence; thus, it's beneficial for business operations.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is an interesting case study, though it doesn't affect my life directly.
- It's important to keep an eye on international relations, and this could be a step in the right direction for Colombia.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Policy Analyst (Washington D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is crucial for stabilizing the region, which indirectly benefits U.S. interests.
- It's an example of proactive foreign policy; potential internal benefits are more long-term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Financial Advisor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might sway investment decisions in favor of Colombian ventures.
- Any reduction in corruption makes foreign investments less risky, thus more attractive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired (New York, NY)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate efforts to reduce international crime, even if it doesn't affect me directly.
- The policy seems focused on international aid; there might be indirect benefits to the U.S.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
IT Consultant (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hope this can improve safety for my family in Colombia.
- A safe and prosperous Colombia is important to me personally.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Nonprofit Director (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Efforts aligning with our mission might open doors for increased cooperation.
- Government involvement can lead to better outcomes in regions we aid.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $14000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $14300000 (Low: $10300000, High: $18300000)
Year 3: $14600000 (Low: $10600000, High: $18600000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $19000000)
Year 10: $16000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Key Considerations
- The collaboration with Colombia on anti-corruption, narcotics control, and disaster response entails costs associated with strategy development and implementation.
- Estimated costs factor in the operational and logistical expenses that come with international governmental engagements.
- Potential benefits in terms of reduced corruption and crime in Colombia could translate into indirect savings, not immediately reflected in the estimates.
- Long-term impacts may include enhanced US-Colombian relations fostering improved trade opportunities and regional stability.