Bill Overview
Title: BLUE Pacific Act
Description: This bill requires and authorizes activities related to U.S. foreign policy in the Pacific Islands, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. The bill requires specified departments and agencies to develop and implement strategies in the region to expand the coverage of the International Law Enforcement Academies program; help build the capacity of local civilian and national security institutions; expand trade capacity and promote regional development; assist in preparing for natural disasters and other emergencies; assist in building public health capacity and improving outcomes, including in response to COVID-19; address climate change, with a focus on improving critical infrastructure and supporting ecosystem conservation efforts; provide expanded media content to the Pacific Islands and partner with journalists; support efforts to reduce gender-based violence and promote gender equality; promote educational and professional development of young adult leaders and professionals; and promote the development of civil society. The bill also requires the Department of State to prioritize efforts to help the Pacific Islands ratify and implement international legal conventions related to transnational crime. The State Department must also coordinate with regional allies and partners in providing assistance to the Pacific Islands. The President may provide assistance to the Pacific Islands to promote quality basic education and to promote the dissemination of free and accurate information.
Sponsors: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Target Audience
Population: People in the Pacific Islands including the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu
Estimated Size: 3000
- The bill focuses on the Pacific Islands region, which includes the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu.
- The combined population of these Pacific Island nations is approximately 10 million people.
- The bill aims to provide various forms of assistance including law enforcement, economic development, disaster preparedness, public health, climate change, media, education, and gender equality initiatives.
- Given these objectives, the entire population of these Pacific countries could be impacted either directly or indirectly.
- The bill also aims to boost US engagement, which will involve cooperation and participation from local entities, leaders, and individuals across the Pacific Islands.
Reasoning
- The primary impact of the BLUE Pacific Act within the United States will likely be felt by people involved in implementing and supporting the policy, including government employees, military personnel, NGO workers, and contractors.
- The policy may indirectly affect US citizens interested in Pacific region affairs or travel to these areas, although this would be a smaller segment.
- Budget considerations imply that the American operations will be highly strategic and leveraged, focusing on administrative and support roles more than direct on-ground implementation.
- The wellbeing impact on US personnel will vary: those employed or contracted due to the policy may see job stability or new opportunities, while others might be unaffected entirely.
- The direct impact on general US population wellbeing is likely minimal given the foreign policy focus, but a small group engaged with Pacific affairs may notice changes.
- Awareness levels about the Pacific Islands and US involvement may see a slight uptick, due to enhanced media coverage and educational efforts linked to the act.
Simulated Interviews
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy will enhance diplomatic ties and offer new work opportunities for analysts like myself.
- The increased focus on the Pacific will allow us to foster greater partnerships in the region.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Non-Profit Worker (San Francisco, California)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This new policy offers a breath of life into our initiatives for empowering women across the Pacific.
- It will help us reach more communities and individuals in need.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Media Correspondent (New York, New York)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our audience will benefit from greater exposure to Pacific Island narratives.
- This policy could provide resources to cover more diverse stories.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Teacher (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could strengthen cultural exchanges, which is beneficial for educational purposes.
- It offers hope for preserving traditional knowledges and fostering more cooperative cultural relations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy adds significant emphasis on the economic potential of the Pacific Islands.
- I'm excited about the potential trade developments and partnerships that could arise.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Climate Scientist (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy's emphasis on climate initiatives is a big win for us scientists in this field.
- I am hopeful for stronger collaborative projects which are instrumental in combating climate change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Software Developer (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic about how this policy can open markets for educational software we'd love to introduce to the Pacific Islands.
- It may directly increase sales opportunities and foster innovation within educational tech.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Journalist (Austin, Texas)
Age: 46 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy sounds promising, but I'm wary. Transparency is key and monitoring is crucial.
- My job will significantly focus on ensuring this aid reaches those who need it.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Military Officer (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The BLUE Pacific Act will undoubtedly demand more logistics operations in strategic locations.
- This will ensure job security and probably add responsibilities, which is a positive career move.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Travel Agent (Miami, Florida)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hoping for an increase in travel interest to the Pacific with these new developments.
- These initiatives could indirectly promote more cultural curiosity and boost tourism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 2: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 3: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 5: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 10: $400000000 (Low: $350000000, High: $450000000)
Year 100: $750000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $800000000)
Key Considerations
- Coordination with regional allies and the financial and administrative resources needed for implementation are crucial.
- The sustainability of the assistance and programs initiated in these nations will depend heavily on continued funding and strategic partnership modes.
- Potential geopolitical implications of increased U.S. involvement in these regions, which could affect international relations.
- The effectiveness of the programs relies heavily on local partnerships and the ability to adapt programs to local contexts.