Bill Overview
Title: United States-Colombia Bicentennial Alliance Act
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: People living in Colombia
Estimated Size: 70000
- The bill involves strategies to combat corruption and the misuse of public resources in Colombia, impacting government officials and potentially the general public in Colombia through improved governance.
- Efforts to counter narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime would affect those involved in these activities as well as communities impacted by crime and drug-related violence in Colombia.
- Assisting groups affected by natural disasters may include vulnerable populations in Colombia, such as displaced people, who need humanitarian aid.
- The initiatives involve international cooperation and diplomatic relations, which could impact U.S. and Colombian government employees working in relevant sectors.
Reasoning
- The policy is mainly targeting U.S. diplomatic and law enforcement personnel in Colombia and American expatriates. The U.S. general public is largely unaffected directly.
- Most Americans might not perceive a change in their Cantril wellbeing unless involved in foreign policy, criminal justice, or international humanitarian work related to the policy.
- Cantril Wellbeing scores can reflect personal perceptions of how international relations indirectly influence national security, economic opportunities, or societal values.
Simulated Interviews
U.S. Embassy worker (Bogotá, Colombia)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that this bill will strengthen U.S.-Colombia relations and improve safety in my area.
- Increased engagement in combatting narcotics is crucial.
- I hope the initiatives are sustainably funded.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Law enforcement officer (Miami, USA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expecting more resources to counteract narcotics trafficking.
- The policy might increase pressure on my job but could help reduce crime rates in the long run.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
NGO worker (Los Angeles, USA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hopefully, Colombians will see an improvement in aid quality.
- My workload might increase, but it could lead to better service outcomes.
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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Business analyst (New York, USA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is more about risk management for businesses operating in Colombia.
- Any stabilization could help American investments in the region.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Foreign Service Officer (Houston, USA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill matches my professional goals. It's exciting to see it funded.
- But the real test will be in its implementation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Policy analyst (Washington, D.C., USA)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill could improve transparency in aid delivery.
- I'm analyzing its potential economic impacts.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (Chicago, USA)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope to see a reduction in global crime affecting the homeland.
- Though retired, I value international stability efforts.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Economist (San Francisco, USA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Potential economic effects are uncertain but could be positive.
- It's crucial that funds are allocated efficiently.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Entrepreneur (Seattle, USA)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Stability in Colombia is critical for my business.
- The bill's impact could ripple positively throughout the region.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Professor (Denver, USA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's an important step for diplomatic relations.
- I will be analyzing the policy's outcomes closely.
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 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 2: $95000000 (Low: $75000000, High: $115000000)
Year 3: $90000000 (Low: $72000000, High: $108000000)
Year 5: $85000000 (Low: $68000000, High: $102000000)
Year 10: $80000000 (Low: $64000000, High: $96000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Political instability in Colombia could affect the timing and success of the implemented strategies.
- The long-term effectiveness relies heavily on the cooperation and stability of the Colombian government.
- Monitoring and accountability mechanisms in place will determine the success of anti-corruption efforts.