Bill Overview
Title: Fairness for American Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Act
Description: This bill authorizes and provides funding for additional payments from the U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. Specifically, the bill (1) provides lump-sum catch-up payments from the fund to 9/11 victims and their families; and (2) makes victims of the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut and their families eligible for lump-sum catch-up payments from the fund. The bill also rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided for (1) the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program, and (2) emergency rental assistance.
Sponsors: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Target Audience
Population: Victims of state-sponsored terrorism and their families
Estimated Size: 9000
- The bill allocates funds to 9/11 victims and their families, who number in the thousands.
- Victims of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and their families are included, which involves several hundred people.
- There are over 3,000 individuals who died during the 9/11 attacks, affecting a larger network of family and relatives.
- The Beirut barracks bombing resulted in 241 American service members killed, impacting their families who are eligible for this fund.
- All individuals affected by state-sponsored terrorism, particularly those covered by these specific historical events, are the main beneficiaries of these funds.
Reasoning
- The policy is aimed at providing financial support to victims of specific state-sponsored terrorism events (9/11 and Beirut bombing).
- The actual number of individuals severely impacted by these specific events is relatively small compared to the U.S. population, hence the impact of the policy is limited to a specialized group.
- Funds are redirected from other programs like the Small Business Administration's PPP and emergency rental assistance, potentially affecting a broader population who depended on these programs.
- To simulate the overall societal impact, interviews should cover both direct beneficiaries and those indirectly affected by budget reallocation.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (New York City, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This fund will really help my family get back some stability we've lost over the years.
- Financially, things have been tight, so this assistance is significant.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Retired Military (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad the government is finally recognizing us. It's a step in the right direction.
- This fund relieves some financial strains associated with my friend's families, but it took too long.
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 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Government Employee (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the need to support victims, but taking money from emergency renters will be controversial.
- The redirected funds might cause short-term rental crises, affecting many vulnerable families.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Denver, CO)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It seems fair to support those in need, but my business relies on PPP as well.
- The trickle-down effect of losing such funds could be challenging for many small businesses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Firefighter (Chicago, IL)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally seeing some recognition and financial help for what we've been through.
- This helps ease the burden on my family.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
College Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good that they are providing financial aid to these families, but I worry about cuts to educational funding in the future.
- I hope this doesn't mean less support for students like me relying on federal aid.
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 |
Accountant (Houston, TX)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy helps in mitigating the long-lasting impact of that tragedy.
- It's a long time coming, but it's appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Nurse (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's relieving to see healthcare and financial support for us.
- This sort of help is crucial, albeit late.
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 | 6 |
Real Estate Agent (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I sympathize with the beneficiaries, the policy changes in funding might affect real estate markets owing to shifts in renter habits.
- It's good that people are getting help, though I hope the broad economy doesn't suffer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Manufacturing Engineer (Detroit, MI)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This helps my wife’s family immensely. It shows some level of government accountability.
- I wish more comprehensive law included others indirectly affected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 2: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 3: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 5: $600000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $700000000)
Year 10: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 100: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Key Considerations
- The number of eligible beneficiaries from both 9/11 and the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing is a critical factor in determining the budget required.
- Availability and size of unobligated funds in the Small Business Administration and emergency rental assistance programs will influence net costs.
- Public perception and media coverage may affect political implications of the financial allocations.