Bill Overview
Title: AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of State to act in the United Nations to extend the mandate of the International Fact-Finding Mission in Venezuela and to provide technical assistance to the Fact-Finding Mission. The bill also authorizes the President to direct U.S. representatives to the United Nations to support actions addressing Venezuela's human rights violations.
Sponsors: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in Venezuela concerned with or involved in human rights issues
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The bill targets human rights issues in Venezuela, implicating primarily Venezuelan citizens.
- The International Fact-Finding Mission's purpose is to investigate human rights abuses; thus, individuals experiencing or concerned about such abuses in Venezuela are affected.
- The bill involves US foreign policy, suggesting a focus on Venezuelans but with indirect implications for American citizens concerned with international human rights.
Reasoning
- The bill essentially works to uphold human rights and is heavily geared towards addressing international issues in Venezuela. It primarily impacts Venezuelan citizens directly; however, in the U.S., it may affect those involved in or supporting human rights advocacy, and those who are concerned or have roots in Venezuela.
- Considering the target of extending a fact-finding mission, the direct impacts in terms of wellbeing for U.S. citizens would largely be indirect, primarily affecting those closely tied to international human rights organizations, advocacy groups, or Venezuelan-American communities.
- Given the substantial budget over ten years, the policy is likely to provide resources for international human rights organizations and increase diplomatic engagement in the issue.
- The overall impact on U.S. citizens in terms of self-reported wellbeing may not be dramatic in scale and is expected to focus on professional spheres dealing with foreign policy and human rights.
Simulated Interviews
Human rights lawyer (New York, NY)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Human rights are a critical factor in international stability.
- The bill is likely to bring awareness and legal foundation for action in Venezuela.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Venezuelan American community leader (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The situation in Venezuela deeply affects our community here.
- Pushing for more international oversight is a positive step.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Policy analyst (Washington, DC)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial to have international pressure on Venezuela regarding human rights.
- The U.S. taking action is a necessary move.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Academic researcher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 37 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a positive move for international accountability.
- Could provide real support for those suffering rights abuses.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired engineer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this leads to real changes for people back in Venezuela.
- I'm somewhat skeptical but hopeful.
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 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Humanitarian organization volunteer (Houston, TX)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could help in addressing human rights needs.
- The continuation of observation ensures issues remain highlighted.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Journalist (Boston, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's promising that the US supports international efforts against human rights abuses.
- Consistent reporting keeps issues from going unnoticed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired diplomat (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Continued international involvement is crucial for pressure on undemocratic regimes.
- This act may bolster diplomatic efforts.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Software developer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Though I'm not directly impacted, it's good to see international action.
- Human rights should always be a priority.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Non-profit director (Portland, OR)
Age: 56 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I view this as part of a wider network of international advocacy efforts.
- It's part of a much-needed long-term commitment to human rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The primary function of this bill seems to be supporting and extending diplomatic relations and actions concerning human rights in Venezuela.
- Costs are largely driven by personnel, diplomatic engagements, and technical support costs.
- Given the nature of the bill, its direct effects are predominantly political and diplomatic rather than economic.