Bill Overview
Title: A bill to direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to regain observer status for Taiwan in the World Health Organization, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill directs the Department of State to include additional information in its annual reports concerning Taiwan's participation at the World Health Organization's World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer. The report shall describe changes and improvements to the State Department's plan to support Taiwan's observer status at the WHA, following any meetings at which Taiwan did not participate under such status. (China has opposed Taiwan's participation in the WHA.)
Sponsors: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Target Audience
Population: People whose health outcomes might be influenced by improved global health collaboration
Estimated Size: 331000000
- Taiwan has a population of approximately 23 million people who would be directly impacted by improved global health collaboration.
- Chinese opposition to Taiwan's participation in international forums like WHO affects international relations, impacting diplomatic community members working on this issue.
- East Asian countries may see a geopolitical impact as Taiwan's inclusion could shift regional dynamics.
- WHO health policy decisions and global public health collaboration could be influenced, affecting global health professionals and policymakers.
- Approximately 7.9 billion people globally could be impacted through improved global health collaboration and response to health crises by inclusive policy-making.
Reasoning
- The policy is primarily international in nature, affecting Taiwan's status in global health forums. Its direct impact on US residents is likely limited to those involved in international relations, public health, and those closely following East Asian geopolitics.
- Given the budget, the policy is not designed to directly impact the average American's day-to-day life but could influence areas like international relations and public health indirectly.
- The most impacted groups within the US might be those concerned with geopolitics or global health policy, potentially feeling shifts in international health collaboration.
Simulated Interviews
Diplomat (Washington D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy will help to strengthen US-Taiwan relations as it advocates for Taiwan's participation in important global discussions.
- It may result in some friction with China, but supporting democratic allies is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Public Health Official (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is an important step towards inclusive health policy. Taiwan's participation can improve global health responses.
- The US leading this initiative reflects our commitment to global health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Political Scientist (New York, NY)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is likely a catalyst for geopolitical shifts that can benefit US strategic positions in Asia.
- It's crucial in pushing for democratic recognition, though it might escalate tensions with China.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Medical Resident (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could open pathways to new healthcare collaborations which benefit everyone.
- Supporting Taiwan at the WHA is a prudent step for improving global health networks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Professor of Asian Studies (Boston, MA)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- An advancement for Taiwan's international integration, bringing potential academic interest in US foreign policy shifts.
- It might affect US-China relations, requiring careful diplomatic navigation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Economist (Houston, TX)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could affect economic relations if tensions with China increase.
- Bringing Taiwan to more global forums sets new precedents that can stabilize trade negotiations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Public Health Nurse (Chicago, IL)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While not directly impactful on my daily life, it’s comforting knowing that global health decisions might improve.
- I hope this leads to better health policy outcomes globally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Activist (Portland, OR)
Age: 26 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is a testament to US leadership in supporting self-determination and democratic values.
- It can encourage more comprehensive global cooperation.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Military Officer (Miami, FL)
Age: 59 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Strategically, this policy aids in reinforcing our commitments to allies in Asia, like Taiwan.
- Success here demonstrates a balance in dealing with China.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
IT Specialist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The inclusion of Taiwan could lead to more open technological collaborations in health, which is exciting.
- It's a positive step towards fairer global participation in health technology.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Key Considerations
- The strategic focus could lead to increased political tension with China, a significant geopolitical and economic consideration.
- Monitoring and evaluating Taiwan's health policy and international collaboration impacts may lead to shifts in the international public health landscape.