Bill Overview
Title: A bill to modify the authority for humanitarian demining assistance and stockpiled conventional munitions assistance.
Description: This bill modifies the authority for humanitarian demining assistance and stockpiled conventional munitions assistance to provide that such assistance may be provided, instead of carried out. The assistance may include the travel expenses of foreign personnel attending related training provided by the Department of Defense.
Sponsors: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Target Audience
Population: People in areas affected by landmines and surplus munitions, and personnel involved in disposal and training
Estimated Size: 5000
- Humanitarian demining efforts are conducted in countries where landmines and unexploded ordnance pose risks to civilians.
- This assistance often targets post-conflict regions or areas with a history of conflict where landmines are prevalent.
- Stockpiled conventional munitions assistance affects regions dealing with surplus or outdated munitions that could pose safety risks.
- In developing countries or regions recovering from conflict, this bill may impact programs aimed at clearing mines and disposing of munitions.
- Personnel involved in demining and munitions disposal will benefit from training and related support facilitated by this bill.
Reasoning
- The policy is primarily international, targeting areas outside the U.S. directly impacted by landmines and munitions.
- In the U.S., the most direct impact is on personnel involved in training and support, including DoD staff and U.S. NGOs involved in demining efforts.
- The economic impact within the U.S. is limited due to the direct international focus but could affect some sectors providing training or technology.
- Many Americans might not be directly aware of or impacted by the policy due to its international nature, leading to a low commonness score among the interviews.
- The policy could indirectly enhance the global safety climate, potentially impacting global travel or international operations by U.S. companies and NGOs.
Simulated Interviews
Department of Defense personnel (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy enhances our capacity to provide necessary training abroad, improving safety and operational readiness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
NGO worker (San Diego, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More funding for training can enhance the effectiveness of our operations abroad.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Military Trainer (Fort Bragg, NC)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could enhance training capabilities, though its effects take time to materialize locally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Tech Developer (Austin, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Indirectly, this could drive demand for safer tech solutions worldwide.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
University Researcher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Could increase research funding and collaboration opportunities due to heightened focus.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Journalist (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will unlikely affect my day-to-day life, but it's a critical international security step.
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 | 5 | 5 |
Veteran (Richmond, VA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this underline our global commitment; indirectly affirms values I care about.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Peace Corps Applicant (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing our country supports demining efforts strengthens my resolve to help internationally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Engineer (Boise, ID)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe such policies are vital, though they won't impact my retired life directly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Consultant (Houston, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill is a strategic move, enhancing our soft power, which is a professional interest of mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15500000 (Low: $10500000, High: $20500000)
Year 3: $16000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $21000000)
Year 5: $17000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $22000000)
Year 10: $19000000 (Low: $14000000, High: $24000000)
Year 100: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Key Considerations
- The cost estimates reflect the expenses primarily associated with travel and training logistics for foreign personnel.
- Long-term savings may offset some costs if the initiative effectively reduces landmine accidents.
- International logistical operations, which can be unpredictable, might impact actual expenses.
- Fluctuations in geopolitical tensions may affect program requirements and costs over time.