Bill Overview
Title: A bill to provide a means for Congress to prevent an organization's designation as a foreign terrorist organization from being revoked by the Secretary of State.
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to notify Congress at least 45 days before revoking a designation of an organization as a foreign terrorist organization. Congress may prohibit the revocation by enacting a joint resolution within 45 days of the State Department's notification.
Sponsors: Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals living in regions affected by designated foreign terrorist organizations
Estimated Size: 331000000
- Foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) are those that have been designated by the Secretary of State as engaging in terrorism that threatens the security of U.S. nationals or the national defense, foreign relations, or economic interests of the United States.
- The presence, operations, or influence of these FTOs can affect regions where they operate, potentially impacting millions of individuals who live in these areas by contributing to instability, violence, and impeding economic development.
- Individuals and communities globally, especially in regions where these FTOs are active, would be concerned about any policy changes affecting the status of these organizations, as it directly relates to international security and geopolitical dynamics.
- The legislation directly affects the organizations listed as FTOs and indirectly impacts populations in geopolitical hotspots where these organizations are present or active.
- The bill involves the U.S. Congress and the State Department, but the global interest lies in the designation's effects on each FTO's operation and the subsequent impact on international and regional stability.
Reasoning
- The policy is procedural in nature, related to legislative oversight. Its direct impact on individual well-being within the U.S. is likely limited.
- The emotional or psychological impact might occur among communities concerned about terrorism or international relations, particularly among those with ties to affected regions.
- While the policy affects FTO designations, its direct effects on domestic citizen lifestyles or well-being are minimal, focusing instead on security transparency.
- The budget constraints imply that the policy's most significant financial implications are administrative, related to the process of notification and potential legal actions.
- We are focusing on those aware of or interested in foreign policy, geopolitical impacts, or national security, often through media or educational exposure.
- The likelihood of any material change in individual well-being is low due to the complex, indirect nature of potential security-related impacts, making psychological perception the primary driver.
- The policy may resonate more with individuals who have a deeper understanding of or experience with international security issues, either personally or professionally.
- Those who feel disconnected from geopolitical issues or without any direct link to FTO-affected areas are unlikely to experience significant change in well-being.
Simulated Interviews
Foreign Policy Analyst (Washington D.C.)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the policy is a step towards reinforcing accountability and transparency between the State Department and Congress.
- While this doesn't directly affect my personal life, it provides a sense of security knowing there is a formal check on FTO designations.
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 |
International NGO Worker (New York)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.5 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could enhance the safety of our operations abroad by ensuring due diligence.
- Knowing Congress has oversight over de-listings gives me some re-assurance about our partner selection.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
High School History Teacher (Los Angeles)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is an important teaching point demonstrating the balance of power between branches of government.
- It offers a practical example of how legislative oversight functions in matters typically seen as executive prerogative.
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)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I respect the intent of the policy, but I'm skeptical of its practical impact without genuine bipartisan cooperation.
- The policy doesn't directly alter my day-to-day life, but it provides a framework for maintaining high standards in security decision-making.
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 | 5 | 5 |
Software Developer (San Francisco)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm loosely aware of policies like this, but unless it affects my privacy or cyber regulations, it feels quite distant.
- I hope policies that involve Congress might lead to more thoughtful outcomes, though this one seems very procedural.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Journalist (Chicago)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy adds another layer of complexity that may impact how we report on FTO news.
- Transparency is crucial for maintaining journalistic integrity, so this policy is beneficial.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Political Science Professor (Seattle)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy represents a classic example of legislative checks on executive power within security domains.
- While a small procedural change, it could have broader implications for how FTO designations are debated in public.
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 |
Human Rights Lawyer (Miami)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This oversight might hold foreign policy more accountable, which is good for our global image.
- It reassures us that FTO status changes are not taken lightly and involve comprehensive oversight.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Austin)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with what I study about government checks and balances, giving concrete examples of Congress's legislative powers.
- I am curious to see if this results in more informed policy decisions around FTOs.
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 Diplomat (Boston)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems prudent, ensuring recklessness is avoided in delicate state matters.
- While not directly impactful on my retirement, it assures me that processes I once participated in continue to function transparently.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5100000 (Low: $3060000, High: $7140000)
Year 3: $5202000 (Low: $3121200, High: $7282800)
Year 5: $5306040 (Low: $3183624, High: $7428456)
Year 10: $5622843 (Low: $3373706, High: $7871980)
Year 100: $9194701 (Low: $5516821, High: $12852581)
Key Considerations
- The bill primarily impacts procedural mechanisms within Congressional oversight of FTO designations.
- Coordination between the Department of State and Congress may require additional resources but is expected to be minimal.
- The impact on U.S. foreign policy or security postures might arise indirectly from this enhanced oversight.