Bill Overview
Title: Department of State Authorization Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes various activities of the Department of State through FY2023 and otherwise addresses matters related to the State Department.
Sponsors: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by the authorization of the Department of State
Estimated Size: 10000000
- The bill concerns the activities of the Department of State, which handles international relations and diplomatic functions of the United States.
- The Department of State has a direct role in the lives of U.S. diplomatic personnel, their families, and individuals receiving consular services such as obtaining visas, passports, and assistance abroad.
- U.S. citizens traveling, living, or working abroad may experience changes due to shifts in consular services and diplomatic policies.
- Foreign nationals interacting with the U.S. through diplomatic channels, including those seeking visas and other consular services, may also be impacted.
- Employees and contractors of the Department of State will be directly affected, impacting decision-making and execution of U.S. foreign policy.
Reasoning
- The Department of State Authorization Act mainly affects U.S. diplomatic personnel, their families, U.S. citizens abroad, and those requiring consular services. Its direct impact on U.S. soil is limited to these groups and the employees of the Department of State.
- Given the budget constraints and the specific nature of the policy, its impacts will be most pronounced within diplomatic functions, such as efficiency or expansion in consular services, and potentially on employee satisfaction and security measures.
- The policy's appropriations are less likely to have noticeable effects on general well-being scores of individuals who do not directly deal with the Department of State. However, those who do may experience a difference in service speed, quality, and accessibility, which would affect their well-being over time.
Simulated Interviews
Diplomatic Officer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The reauthorization seems like a regular procedural event, but it can affect our operations abroad in terms of budget allocation for new tools and resources.
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 | 8 | 7 |
IT Contractor (New York)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the budget reauthorization includes upgrades for our systems which can ease my workload and improve security.
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 | 5 | 5 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this means faster visa processing, it could significantly ease planning my business trips.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Film Producer (Los Angeles)
Age: 52 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm less concerned about my well-being but more about operational changes that might be indirectly beneficial to my work.
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 |
Retired (Houston)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Procedural improvements in consular services would allow smoother travel experiences.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
HR Manager (Chicago)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Efficient diplomatic procedures help with employee relocations and assignments.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Student (Atlanta)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If the policy means better support from embassies, it can offer reassurance while studying abroad.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Diplomat's Family (Boston)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reauthorization should ensure continuous support and resources for families stationed abroad.
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 | 6 |
Customs Broker (Miami)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved diplomatic relations often lead to smoother customs processes and trade benefits.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Foreign Service Officer (Seattle)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could help enhance and streamline service delivery at distant embassies.
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: $50000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $55000000)
Year 2: $51500000 (Low: $47000000, High: $56000000)
Year 3: $53000000 (Low: $48500000, High: $57500000)
Year 5: $56000000 (Low: $51000000, High: $61000000)
Year 10: $65000000 (Low: $59000000, High: $71000000)
Year 100: $150000000 (Low: $135000000, High: $165000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill's focus on reauthorizing existing activities means significant changes in costs are unlikely.
- Consideration must be given to changes in global diplomatic landscapes, which could affect operational costs and priorities.
- Potential shifts in foreign policy and international commitments may require additional funding or reallocation of current budgets.