Bill Overview
Title: Ukraine Human Rights Policy Act of 2022
Description: This bill provides for congressional oversight of sanctions on foreign persons associated with human rights abuses in territory controlled by Russia and requires reports on human rights abuses related to Ukraine.
Sponsors: Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]
Target Audience
Population: People living in territories controlled by Russia where human rights abuses related to Ukraine occur
Estimated Size: 1000
- The bill addresses human rights abuses in territory controlled by Russia, which includes parts of Ukraine currently under Russian control or influence.
- The population in these regions are directly impacted due to the nature of the bill focusing on human rights abuses.
- The bill's sanctions aspect targets foreign persons associated with these abuses, meaning those individuals and entities responsible are also directly impacted.
- The focus is specifically on human rights, implying the affected population includes those experiencing or at risk of experiencing abuses.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects a small and specific segment of the American population—those involved in foreign relations, enforcement of sanctions, and advocacy related to human rights in Ukraine.
- Most Americans might only be indirectly influenced through broader foreign policy shifts and international relations dynamics that follow from such a policy.
- The budget constraints mean that any direct impacts would need to be very targeted, prioritizing individuals or organizations that might directly engage with the policy's implementation.
- Given the limited direct impact on everyday Americans and the nature of the policy, many may report little to no change in personal wellbeing related to the policy itself.
Simulated Interviews
Foreign Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is essential for holding accountable those responsible for human rights abuses.
- The policy strengthens U.S. moral standing globally, which is important for my work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Diplomat (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will increase our workload, but it's a necessary step for international justice.
- I feel more secure knowing we're taking steps against these abuses.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Human Rights Activist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a win for human rights advocacy.
- It empowers the work we do to raise awareness and push for change.
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 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Tech Industry Executive (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is important but doesn't directly affect me.
- It might influence our business indirectly due to geopolitical tensions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired School Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being informed about this policy gives me some hope for international justice.
- I appreciate the attention on human rights abuses but don't expect direct changes in my life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Film Producer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I would like to create documentary content around such policies to spread awareness.
- The policy doesn't directly affect me but inspires project ideas.
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 (Boston, MA)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy provides real-world context for my studies, which I find valuable.
- It shows practical applications of what's taught in class.
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 |
Small Business Owner (Dallas, TX)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about the indirect economic consequences of further sanctions.
- Hopeful that this will deter human rights abuses, though I might not feel direct effects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Software Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is far removed from my day-to-day, but it might affect multinational companies.
- It's good to see human rights being prioritized internationally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Journalist (Denver, CO)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy sets the stage for powerful stories on accountability.
- It may influence public interest and attention towards these issues.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $16000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $16000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $21000000)
Year 5: $17000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $22000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The cost associated with monitoring and enforcement of sanctions is a key budget concern.
- Economic and geopolitical consequences of the sanctions could lead to indirect fiscal impacts.
- Coordination with international partners might reduce costs or enhance effectiveness.
- The policy's impact on human rights could yield financial benefits by alleviating pressures on humanitarian resources.