Bill Overview
Title: U.S. and Pacific Islands Forum Partnership Act
Description: This bill requires the President to appoint either the U.S. ambassador to a county that is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum or another qualified individual to serve as special envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum.
Sponsors: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
Target Audience
Population: People living in the 18 member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum
Estimated Size: 10000
- The Pacific Islands Forum is an inter-governmental organization focusing on enhancing cooperation among countries in the Pacific Ocean.
- There are 18 member countries in the Pacific Islands Forum, with a combined population of approximately 10 million.
- The bill appoints a U.S. envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum to strengthen diplomatic and cooperative relationships.
- Direct impact is mostly diplomatic and governmental, affecting international cooperation, regional security, and economic partnerships.
- The direct population impacted includes political leaders, diplomats, and those involved in international relations within these 18 countries.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses on diplomatic relations with the Pacific Islands Forum, impacting mainly diplomats, businesses, and government officials engaged in those regions. The broader U.S. population may see indirect effects through changes in foreign policy priorities and economic opportunities in the Pacific region.
- The budget constraints over a 10-year period indicate that the direct financial impact or initiatives launched may be limited primarily to high-level diplomatic engagements rather than widespread economic or development projects.
- Expectations of wellbeing impact will vary significantly. People directly involved in international diplomacy may perceive this as beneficial to their professional pursuits, while others may see no noticeable change in their daily lives or wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Diplomat (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for improving U.S. relationships and influence in the Pacific region.
- It could lead to stronger economic partnerships that benefit 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 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Business owner (San Diego, CA)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An envoy could streamline trade processes and improve business conditions between the U.S. and the Pacific Islands.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
International Relations Professor (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This appointment is a positive step for international relations scholarship.
- It might increase academic collaboration opportunities.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Hollywood Film Producer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Greater diplomatic presence might make filming in the region smoother and more feasible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Honolulu, HI)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen the importance of diplomacy firsthand and support improved U.S. relations with the Pacific Islands.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see how this policy affects someone like me at all.
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 |
Travel Agency Manager (Miami, FL)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved diplomatic relations could boost tourism to the Pacific Islands, benefiting my business.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Political Analyst (Dallas, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A U.S. envoy could provide new angles and insights for my work assessing international relations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
NGO Worker (Boston, MA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Positive diplomatic engagement might increase international support for environmental initiatives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Military Officer (Houston, TX)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Strong U.S. presence in the Pacific is vital for security and balance, so this policy is a step in the right direction.
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 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $250000 (Low: $200000, High: $300000)
Year 2: $250000 (Low: $200000, High: $300000)
Year 3: $250000 (Low: $200000, High: $300000)
Year 5: $250000 (Low: $200000, High: $300000)
Year 10: $250000 (Low: $200000, High: $300000)
Year 100: $250000 (Low: $200000, High: $300000)
Key Considerations
- The envoy's effectiveness will depend on diplomatic skills and resource availability.
- Positive outcomes may include enhanced regional security and economic partnerships.
- The U.S. interest in the Pacific region may extend beyond immediate cost and savings metrics to long-term strategic importance.