Bill Overview
Title: Brycen Gray and Ben Price COVID–19 Cognitive Research Act
Description: This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award competitive, merit-reviewed grants to eligible entities, including through the RAPID funding mechanism, to support interdisciplinary research on the disruption of regular cognitive processes associated with both short-term and long-term COVID-19 infections, including with respect to children and adolescents. No later than 45 days after the enactment of this bill, the NSF shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study and produce a report on the disruption of cognitive processes associated with COVID-19 infection.
Sponsors: Rep. Gonzalez, Anthony [R-OH-16]
Target Audience
Population: People experiencing cognitive disruptions due to COVID-19
Estimated Size: 20000000
- The bill focuses on cognitive disruptions associated with short-term and long-term COVID-19 infections.
- It mentions research specific to children and adolescents, but adults are also likely involved due to general research into COVID-19 cognitive effects.
- Studies associated with COVID-19 impact millions globally, as the pandemic has been widespread.
- The grants for research are open to eligible entities, implying broad research opportunities.
- COVID-19 infection has been globally pervasive, affecting billions, and research may impact broader strategies and treatments for many.
Reasoning
- The policy's main focus is on understanding cognitive disruptions caused by COVID-19, a matter that could influence educational strategies for children and adolescents in the US.
- The budget restrictions suggest potentially significant, but still targeted, research impact.
- Given the broad estimates of people affected, the policy can indirectly affect many individuals through increased understanding and potential future therapeutic applications.
- People experiencing cognitive disruptions from COVID-19 are a diverse group, including those with mild to severe symptoms, across all age groups, though priority may be given to children and adolescents.
- Cognitive disruptions can affect quality of life and daily functioning, so the policy might lead to improvements in self-reported wellbeing if effective interventions follow the research.
Simulated Interviews
High School Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 15 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am worried about my school performance since I had COVID.
- If the research can help me and kids like me, that would be amazing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
University Professor (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction for understanding long-term impacts of the pandemic.
- I'm hopeful we can gain useful insights into helping affected individuals.
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 | 9 | 8 |
Retired (Houston, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Research has already revealed so much, but this could improve life for those of us still struggling.
- I hope this leads to better treatment options.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Software Developer (Chicago, IL)
Age: 35 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm interested in the wider implications of this policy, though I haven't experienced any cognitive disruptions myself.
- It's reassuring that steps are being taken to understand these effects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
School Principal (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The research findings could help schools develop better support systems for affected students.
- Given the widespread impact of COVID-19, this is an important initiative.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
PhD Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could open up new research areas beneficial to my work.
- Understanding cognitive disruption in kids is crucial for educational advancement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Tech Entrepreneur (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about potential tech solutions resulting from this kind of research.
- While I haven’t been impacted, I see opportunities in the health-tech space.
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 |
Middle School Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 14 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this research helps kids like me who are having a tough time concentrating after COVID.
- It's hard to keep up with school when you feel different.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Nurse (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad there's a focus on cognitive issues linked to COVID-19—it's much needed.
- Hopefully, this leads to better ways to help people like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Public Health Worker (Denver, CO)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These initiatives are crucial to understanding and supporting public health.
- Research-driven outcomes may significantly benefit future protocols.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 3: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $70000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The bill aims to address significant public health concerns by funding research into the cognitive effects of COVID-19.
- While initial costs are straightforward in terms of awarded grants, the potential for advancing public health understanding could have broader financial implications, both in terms of savings and economic growth in the long term.
- Coordination with the National Academies adds credibility but also fixed cost.
- The global nature of the pandemic means findings could have international relevance, possibly leading to future collaborative funding or indirect benefits.