Bill Overview
Title: A bill to prohibit nationals of the Russian Federation and Belarus from working in Department of Energy National Laboratories.
Description: This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to take actions to, immediately after the enactment of this bill, terminate the employment of all nationals of Russia and Belarus (other than such nationals who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States) working in DOE National Laboratories. DOE must prohibit such nationals from working in such laboratories until (1) the armed forces of Russia and any country that is an ally of Russia are no longer present in Ukraine, and (2) all sanctions imposed by the United States in response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia that began on February 24, 2022, have been terminated.
Sponsors: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Target Audience
Population: Russian and Belarusian nationals working in DOE National Laboratories
Estimated Size: 50
- The primary target population consists of nationals of Russia and Belarus who are working in DOE National Laboratories.
- This does not include those who have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
- The Department of Energy employs thousands of individuals, but the number of Russian and Belarusian nationals specifically may be limited.
- This legislation is directly tied to geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, impacting these nationals based on their national origin.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts a small population—non-permanent residents of Russian and Belarusian nationality working in the DOE National Laboratories.
- Since the estimated target population is about 50 individuals, the impact is highly concentrated, making it easier to allocate the policy's limited budget of $2,500,000.
- Most people affected by the policy may not have other immediate job opportunities and could face employment and residency challenges in the US.
- A substantial indirect impact on their families and communities could also occur, though it is not the direct focus of the policy.
- Because the broader population in the US is not directly affected, their wellbeing scores will largely remain unchanged.
- These interviews will include various perspectives to assess both the direct and indirect effects of the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Laboratory Scientist (New Mexico)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems unfair to individuals who have built their lives here.
- My work has nothing to do with the geopolitical situation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 9 |
Research Assistant (California)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support Ukraine, but losing my job affects my family drastically.
- This policy puts unnecessary pressure on individuals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Postdoctoral Researcher (Illinois)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This drastically affects my career trajectory.
- Finding a comparable position elsewhere will be very challenging.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 2 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 9 |
Project Manager (Tennessee)
Age: 51 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is creating unnecessary familial stress and instability.
- My spouse has been a law-abiding resident contributing positively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Senior Researcher (Maryland)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy disrupts ongoing projects and the teams involved.
- It's an unnecessary hurdle to scientific progress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Graduate Student (New York)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will force me to abandon my research prematurely.
- It's very discouraging for young scientists.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
System Administrator (Texas)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This places my family's stability at risk, despite years of contributing to US projects.
- I understand the geopolitical reasoning but it feels personal.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Lab Technician (Oregon)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This impacts my friends and community significantly.
- It's a difficult situation to witness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Research Scientist (Florida)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Luckily, I moved sectors earlier this year.
- I am concerned for my former colleagues though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Lab Assistant (Michigan)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy eliminates my chances for settling here long-term.
- I feel punished for international politics beyond my control.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2500000 (Low: $1500000, High: $4000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- National security implications may potentially override financial considerations.
- Diplomatic reactions and consequences from Russia, Belarus, or international partners.
- Implications for DOE's research and operations, including potential delays or disruptions.
- Public and political support or opposition to measures perceived as discrimination based on nationality.