Bill Overview
Title: Pacific Islands Embassies Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to establish U.S. embassies in Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga.
Sponsors: Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals residing in Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga
Estimated Size: 10000
- Establishing embassies is primarily a diplomatic effort, meaning it directly impacts the citizens of both the United States and the host countries.
- Citizens in Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga will have direct access to U.S. diplomatic services such as visa applications, U.S. medical assistance, cultural exchanges, and economic development support.
- Approximately 750,000 people live in Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga combined. These individuals would potentially have increased diplomatic engagement and benefits from having a U.S. embassy.
- The presence of a U.S. embassy may also impact expatriates or travelers in these countries who are from other regions.
- There could be indirect impacts on people engaging in trade, tourism, or other economic activities linked to these countries through enhanced diplomatic relations.
Reasoning
- Embassies often significantly impact diplomatic and economic interactions, but the direct influence on most individual Americans is limited.
- Most Americans will experience low impact unless they have direct interests or connections in Vanuatu, Kiribati, or Tonga.
- The impact is likely to be concentrated among expatriates, businesses involved in trade with these nations, and those in diplomacy-focused careers.
- The average American may not feel significant changes but enhanced diplomatic relations can underline confidence in foreign policy and international relationships.
- Budget constraints imply that direct impact on service improvements may be more modest initially.
Simulated Interviews
Diplomat (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The establishment of embassies will enhance our diplomatic footprint in the Pacific region.
- These embassies are crucial for improving our bilateral relations and providing critical services to U.S. citizens and businesses in the area.
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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Travel vlogger (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having embassies in these islands means easier access to consular services, which is important for travelers like me.
- It might also boost tourism infrastructure, beneficial for my work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Import business owner (Honolulu, HI)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could facilitate smoother business operations with these countries through improved diplomacy.
- Any reduction in red tape is a plus for my business operations.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
College student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 19 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's good for the U.S. to have more diplomatic presence in regions often overlooked.
- Learning about this policy could provide case studies or internships related to foreign relations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Energy consultant (Dallas, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Greater diplomatic presence might open new avenues for U.S. energy projects in these regions.
- It won't change much immediately, but could have long-term benefits for business.
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 | 8 | 7 |
Travel agency owner (New York, NY)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having embassies there might make travel to the Pacific Islands more appealing to American tourists.
- This could indirectly boost my travel agency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Economics professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's beneficial for academic analysis to have more on-ground diplomatic representation in these areas.
- The direct impact on most citizens might be limited, but it's significant for U.S. strategic interests.
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 | 8 |
Expatriate liaison officer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will make my job easier by enhancing support for American citizens abroad.
- It should facilitate better cultural exchanges and support networks for expats.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I'm not directly affected, I welcome improved diplomatic relations that support international development.
- Investing in these embassies could lead to better developmental collaboration.
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 |
Graduate student (Portland, OR)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These embassies could create more career opportunities for students like me.
- Understanding U.S. diplomatic strategies could help me prepare for future roles.
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 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 5: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- Geopolitical strategic interests in the Pacific region might necessitate increased diplomatic presence despite the associated costs.
- Potential future economic benefits might arise from stronger diplomatic and economic ties with these Pacific countries, particularly in fishing rights and regional security partnerships.