Bill Overview
Title: Ukraine Invasion War Crimes Deterrence and Accountability Act
Description: This bill requires the President to report to Congress on atrocities committed during Russia's invasion of Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Specifically, the report must describe in detail (1) U.S. government efforts to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence related to war crimes and other atrocities committed during the invasion; (2) media, public diplomacy, and information operations to make the Russian people, including their military and political leaders, aware of efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible for such atrocities; and (3) the process for a domestic, foreign, or international court or tribunal to obtain information from the U.S. government related to such atrocities.
Sponsors: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: people affected by the Ukraine Invasion War Crimes Deterrence and Accountability Act
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill addresses gathering and reporting information about war crimes during the Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- It involves U.S. government efforts, which implicates U.S. citizens as part of the workforce and public financially supporting these efforts.
- The ultimate goal is deterrence of war crimes, which ideally impacts those involved in or affected by conflicts, most directly Ukrainians due to the invasion, but also Russian citizens who could face repercussions or changes in perception.
- The international community, including international courts and tribunals, will be impacted as they may receive evidence provided by the U.S.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects individuals involved in government operations, especially those working in foreign policy and related areas. The gathering, analyzing, and preserving of evidence tasks will employ and impact professionals in the fields of international relations, law, and government, implying a medium impact on this segment of the population.
- It indirectly affects the general U.S. population through expenditure of tax dollars and potential shifts in foreign policy stance and public opinion.
- Groups potentially uninterested or minimally affected include those disengaged from international politics or those whose work and personal life remain unaffected by foreign policies.
- Given the fiscal limits of the policy, its direct influence is likely on a small segment of U.S. citizens, perhaps primarily those working within government agencies, NGOs concerned with international human rights, or academic settings focused on international law.
Simulated Interviews
Foreign Service Officer (Washington D.C.)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is vital. We must deter war crimes and support international law.
- I believe clarity and transparency in this initiative will improve global perceptions of the U.S.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
University Professor in International Law (Boston, MA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As an academic, I see this as a significant step in international justice.
- This could provide material for future research and teaching.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill provides an opportunity to highlight U.S. efforts in international justice.
- There's a chance to increase awareness through reporting, which aligns with my career goals.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Software Developer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't feel this policy affects me directly, but I'm glad the U.S. supports justice.
- As long as it doesn't affect taxes significantly, I'm neutral on this.
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 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Social Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These policies seem important but don't impact my daily life.
- I hope they don't increase taxes since my budget is fixed.
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 |
Nonprofit Worker (Austin, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am pleased to see government efforts aligning with NGO work.
- This can bolster our advocacy initiatives and supports our cause.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Tech Entrepreneur (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see potential for technology to support these efforts, perhaps a new business angle.
- Engaging with projects that help global justice is exciting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
High School Teacher (Rural Ohio)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Incorporating real-time examples of justice into teaching material enriches education.
- This policy indirectly supports my educational goals.
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 |
Financial Analyst (Seattle, WA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy doesn't directly impact my work but adds a layer of geopolitical context.
- Important for understanding international financial markets.
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 |
Activist (Miami, FL)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with our goals to educate and mobilize efforts for peace.
- Encouraging stronger governmental action against war crimes is a win.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $14000000)
Year 3: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 5: $8000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $10000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Key Considerations
- This policy centers on accountability and deterrence, which might yield intangible long-term benefits in reducing war crimes globally.
- The implementation will require cooperation with international partners and NGOs, which might create additional resource demands.
- The effectiveness of the media and public diplomacy campaigns will play a key role in achieving policy goals.