Bill Overview
Title: United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021
Description: This bill addresses U.S. technology and communications, foreign relations and national security, domestic manufacturing, education, trade, and other matters. Among other provisions, the bill provides funding for FY2022-FY2026 to support U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain security; provides funding for wireless supply chain innovation; establishes a Directorate for Technology and Innovation in the National Science Foundation; extends through 2025 the authority of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to lease its non-excess real property and related personal property; authorizes various programs and policies related to space exploration; authorizes various international affairs programs and activities, including foreign assistance for the Indo-Pacific region; requires federal infrastructure programs to provide for the use of materials produced in the United States; imposes sanctions on China for cybersecurity and human rights abuses; requires the Department of Health and Human Services to consider national security risks associated with sensitive genetic information; includes initiatives related to elementary and secondary education, including those to increase computer science education; contains provisions related to higher education, including those reauthorizing through FY2027 international education programs and addressing China's influence on institutions of higher education; modifies and expands the schedule for graduated merger filing fees; prohibits federal funding for the Wuhan Institute of Virology; requires the U.S. Trade Representative to take certain actions related to digital trade and censorship practices; and extends through 2027 the Generalized System of Preferences.
Sponsors: Rep. Johnson, Eddie Bernice [D-TX-30]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals impacted by advancements in global bioeconomy research and development
Estimated Size: 180000000
- The bill focuses on advancing societal well-being, security, sustainability, economic productivity, and competitiveness through engineering biology.
- The initiative promotes biotechnology and bioengineering, which are significant sectors influencing global health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
- Research centers, universities, and individual researchers globally will be affected by increased funding and collaboration opportunities.
- Global scientific community stands to benefit from advancements in bioeconomy research and its applications.
Reasoning
- The initiative focuses on enhancing research in engineering biology and targets a range of institutions including minority-serving ones, fostering inclusivity.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy will likely prioritize high-impact research centers and technological advancements with the broadest societal benefits.
- Investments into these areas will potentially benefit individuals in biotechnology, academia, environmental sustainability, and healthcare sectors.
- People indirectly involved in or valuing advancements in these fields may perceive improvements in well-being even if they are not directly funded by the policy.
- Because the initiative is funded and supported by multiple federal agencies, the benefits extend across numerous regions and communities within the US.
Simulated Interviews
Biotech Researcher (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy supports my research in sustainable agriculture, opening up new funding avenues.
- Collaborations with larger institutions can enhance our work's impact and technology access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Engineering Professor (Austin, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The initiative increases our funding opportunities and potential for groundbreaking discoveries.
- Collaborations with minority-serving institutions will expand our student diversity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Environmental Scientist (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy helps us integrate biotechnology into environmental conservation efforts.
- Funding will likely accelerate positive ecosystem research outcomes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Graduate Student (Detroit, MI)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More research opportunities and scholarships might become available.
- Exposure to larger research projects could boost my career prospects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Bioethics Advocate (Seattle, WA)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ethical review and inclusion of societal issues are critical to responsible research.
- This policy supports necessary interdisciplinary discussions in bioethics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Oil & Gas Industry Professional (Houston, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Potential bioengineering applications can make energy industry more sustainable.
- Not directly involved but benefits could improve industry outlook.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Policy Analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act can strategically elevate US positions in global biotechnology stages.
- Increased funding equals better research quality and workforce training.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Biomedical Engineer (Boston, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy catalyzes advancements that directly influence my field.
- Excited about potential growth and innovation opportunities.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Small Business Owner (Minneapolis, MN)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased research collaboration enhances business prospects.
- Funding will likely boost industry innovation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
High School Teacher (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy can improve science curriculum through increased education resources.
- Awareness of advancements benefits students considering STEM careers.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Year 2: $310000000 (Low: $260000000, High: $360000000)
Year 3: $320000000 (Low: $270000000, High: $370000000)
Year 5: $340000000 (Low: $290000000, High: $390000000)
Year 10: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 100: $400000000 (Low: $350000000, High: $450000000)
Key Considerations
- The necessity of aligning activities across diverse federal agencies could pose bureaucratic challenges.
- Potential for ethical and legal issues with biotech research that need careful navigation.
- The magnitude of positive impact depends on successful research breakthroughs.
- Coordination with minority-serving institutions aligns with ongoing equity and inclusivity initiatives.