Bill Overview
Title: Keeping Our Commitment to Overseas Veterans Act of 2022
Description: This bill reauthorizes the operation of the Department of Veterans Affairs regional office in the Philippines through September 30, 2023.
Sponsors: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Target Audience
Population: U.S. Military Veterans living overseas, particularly in the Philippines
Estimated Size: 13000
- The bill specifically addresses the operation of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regional office located in the Philippines.
- The primary service of this office is to cater to U.S. military veterans who are located overseas, specifically in the Philippines.
- These veterans depend on this office for specialized services that are tailored to their needs, which might include benefits processing, medical services, and support services that they would otherwise find difficult to access from the mainland U.S.
Reasoning
- The budget of $3,500,000 USD is relatively small given the number of veterans estimated to be residing in the Philippines (approximately 13,000). Therefore, direct impact may only reach those closest to the services of the regional office or those with critical needs. Others may see delayed or reduced effects.
- Since the policy affects veterans overseas, the larger U.S. domestic population remains unaffected except through indirect effects such as national pride or concerns over veteran welfare.
- The focus of the policy directly assists overseas veterans possibly with benefit processing and support services, which may not necessarily lead to drastic immediate changes in wellbeing scores but can improve consistency and reliability of receiving benefits.
- Considering the budget constraints, the impact classification ranges from 'none' for unaware or unaffected U.S residents to 'low' or 'medium' for veterans in the Philippines who directly benefit.
Simulated Interviews
Retired (Philippines)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm grateful for the continuation of the VA office here as it ensures steady access to my healthcare.
- Budget isn't huge, but it's critical for people like me who need regular medications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Veteran Affairs Coordinator (Texas)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring the availability of services for overseas veterans is crucial, but this budget is quite limited.
- My job would benefit as it includes processing related to the Philippine office.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Legislative Assistant (California)
Age: 55 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is good to see continuous support for our veterans, even overseas.
- The fiscal constraints might limit broader impact.
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 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Navy Officer (Guam)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a relief to know that services are maintained just in case I need them while in the Philippines.
- Budget is key, but the goal is simple continuity.
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 | 6 | 5 |
Retired (Florida)
Age: 78 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't know about this policy, but I'm glad overseas veterans have support.
- I'm more concerned about maintaining my own benefits.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Journalist (New York)
Age: 43 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy doesn't affect me personally, but veteran welfare stories are an interesting angle.
- The low budget means limited reach but possibly essential support for those overseas.
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 | 6 | 6 |
Veterans Benefits Counselor (Nevada)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Given the importance of stable benefits delivery, every bit helps, but this policy won't massively affect my work with veterans domestically.
- I support any policy helping veterans, even if it's targeted elsewhere.
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 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Teacher (Philippines)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Very happy the office is staying open, ensures I still get my pension processed smoothly.
- Hope they address the budget constraints affecting wide service delivery.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Entrepreneur (Hawaii)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy ensures necessary support for veterans in the Philippines, though it mainly improves bureaucratic processing rather than living conditions.
- Budget limitations may restrict impact radius.
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 | 5 |
VA Health Consultant (Oregon)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I'm more involved with health than benefits processing, maintaining this office is important for a large overseas veteran community.
- The funding seems like a stretch for its intended purpose.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $4000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The main goal of the bill is to ensure that U.S. veterans residing in the Philippines continue to receive necessary services.
- Eligible veterans rely on the VA office for processing of their benefits, which might include healthcare, pensions, and other essential services.
- The bill provides assurance to the veteran population that essential services will not be disrupted until at least September 2023.