Bill Overview
Title: A bill to require a report on efforts by Venezuelan state actors and transnational criminal organizations to capture and detain United States citizens as hostages.
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to report on efforts by Venezuela to detain U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Sponsors: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: U.S. citizens and permanent residents
Estimated Size: 335000000
- The bill specifically addresses issues concerning U.S. citizens and permanent residents who might be targeted by Venezuelan state actors or transnational criminal organizations.
- It calls for a report from the Department of State about these hostile efforts, focusing explicitly on American and permanent resident hostages or detainees.
- Therefore, the target population is U.S. citizens and permanent residents who either reside in or travel to Venezuela, or are somehow involved in Venezuelan affairs, making them vulnerable to detention by these actors.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a very specific and smaller subset of the U.S. population, namely those who are affected by Venezuelan detainment issues. While the entire U.S. citizenship or permanent resident community can be considered in terms of potential foreign affair impacts, the direct effects are primarily felt by a small group.
- Given the budget constraint, the direct benefits (such as increased safety, awareness, and improved diplomatic channels for detainees) are likely to be significant, while indirect effects like changes in travel patterns or perceptions may be felt by those inclined towards travelling to Venezuela.
- The policy's immediate shift in wellbeing scores will be more pronounced for individuals closely tied to Venezuelan affairs. Over time, the policy's awareness and preventive measures can contribute to sustained or improved wellbeing for those affected.
Simulated Interviews
Businessman (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy would make me feel slightly more secure about my travels.
- It's good to know the U.S. government is keeping an eye on this, although I'd still be cautious.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any policy that increases my safety when traveling or reporting from places like Venezuela is welcome.
- I believe this could serve as a deterrent for unlawful detentions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Though I'm not directly affected, such policies show the U.S. can protect its citizens abroad.
- It might not impact me now but could influence my choices for travel or study abroad.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired (Houston, TX)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My main concern is for my family's safety when they travel.
- If this policy improves their security, even a tiny bit, it's good.
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 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Lawyer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased awareness from this policy could lead to better business conditions or negotiating power.
- I think it aligns with my professional duties to advocate for policy that strengthens safety abroad.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Government Official (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support this measure as it strengthens our understanding of risks for U.S. citizens in volatile areas.
- Policies like this enhance our ability to respond to international crises.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a good backup assurance if things were to get problematic during my studies.
- Policy like this might tip the scales for my parents to allow me to study there.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
NGO Worker (San Diego, CA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy provides some peace of mind given the hostile operating environments lately.
- A formal report like this could influence funding sources as well.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired Diplomat (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a necessary step to further understand specific international protection measures.
- Broadens our diplomacy strategies, even post-retirement I feel connected to these issues.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
University Professor (Seattle, WA)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From an academic standpoint, this documentation is incredibly valuable.
- I think it addresses significant international legal issues faced today.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $750000 (Low: $500000, High: $1000000)
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
- The report is a one-time requirement, which limits recurring costs.
- Security and diplomatic cooperation might incur unexpected costs if additional resources need to be secured for confidential intelligence.