Bill Overview
Title: U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act of 2022
Description: This bill designates March 9 as Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. The bill also designates the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag as a symbol of the commitment of the United States to recognizing, and prioritizing the freedom of, citizens and lawful permanent residents held as hostages or wrongfully detained abroad.
Sponsors: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals who are positively affected by advocacy and awareness for hostages or wrongful detainees abroad
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill designates a new symbolic day and a flag to raise awareness about U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are hostages or wrongfully detained abroad, suggesting public recognition and solidarity.
- The bill is likely to impact how the United States government and potentially other organizations prioritize actions to secure the release of hostages and wrongful detainees.
- Currently, there are ongoing cases of Americans who are hostages or wrongfully detained abroad, whose numbers can vary over time based on global incidents.
Reasoning
- The policy's impact is primarily symbolic, so the effect on any one person's life and wellbeing might be minimal unless they are directly affected by hostage or detainee situations.
- Although the demographic it aims to assist (hostages and wrongful detainees) is relatively small, the extended community including families and advocacy groups might experience some impact.
- Awareness days and symbolic gestures often have negligible direct economic impact but might contribute positively to public morale and activism. The economic budget for the policy isn't geared towards material changes, rather towards spreading awareness and solidarity.
- People whose lives are deeply impacted by these international situations — such as family members — may see a shift in wellbeing due to increased public visibility and potential government responsiveness.
- The overall population most impacted is relatively small compared to the entire U.S. population, thus the commonness of this kind of significant effect through the policy is fairly low.
Simulated Interviews
International Relations Specialist (New York, NY)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy might encourage the U.S. government to keep such issues in the public eye, hopefully speeding up resolutions.
- The hostage and wrongful detainee flag is a powerful symbol that makes a statement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired Teacher (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy won’t change things directly, but keeping it in the news helps family and friends of detainees.
- I'm hopeful it brings peace of mind knowing there’s recognition of these issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Oil Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is more symbolic than practical for someone like me who isn't directly affected.
- However, it’s reassuring to know there’s a dedicated day and flag.
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 |
NGO Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This day helps elevate the discourse around detainees and hostages; public awareness is critical.
- I hope it provides more leverage in negotiating releases.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
College Student (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Symbolic days can bring focus to global issues and might influence future policy-making.
- It’s encouraging, though I doubt it’ll make immediate tangible changes.
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 |
Software Developer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good symbolism, but for everyday working individuals, this is unlikely to bring any direct change.
- Governments should naturally be prioritizing hostage releases.
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 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hard to predict the impact, but raising awareness helps us collectively support these families.
- I hope it inspires legislative action, not just a flag.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Lawyer (Boston, MA)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Symbolically strong, this policy could indirectly encourage legislative action.
- Legal avenues need more than a day or flag.
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 |
Journalist (Denver, CO)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This highlights an important issue that often gets overlooked until it's on the front page.
- I can see it influencing coverage decisions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Construction Manager (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill doesn't really affect my life in any noticeable way, unless someone I know is directly involved.
- The idea is good but it seems like political theater more than real action.
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 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $5000000)
Year 2: $2500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $5000000)
Year 3: $2500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $5000000)
Year 5: $2500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $5000000)
Year 10: $2500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $5000000)
Year 100: $2500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $5000000)
Key Considerations
- While the bill is primarily symbolic, it can have significant emotional and psychological impacts on affected families and communities.
- The designation of the day and flag might strengthen diplomatic efforts to resolve hostage situations.
- The bill encourages support from non-governmental organizations focusing on hostages and detainees.