Bill Overview
Title: National Laboratory Biotechnology Research Act of 2022
Description: National Laboratory Biotechnology Research Act of This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a National Laboratory Biotechnology Program to integrate the resources of DOE, including the Office of Science, the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, and the National Nuclear Security Administration, to provide research and development and response capabilities to respond to long-term biotechnology threats facing the United States, and any remaining threats posed by COVID-19. The Office of Science shall support research that harnesses the capabilities of the national laboratories to address advanced biological threats of national security significance. The Office of Science shall promote cooperative research and development activities under the program, including collaboration between appropriate industry and academic institutions to promote innovation and the creation of knowledge. No less frequently than biennially, DOE shall develop a strategic research plan under the program.
Sponsors: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11]
Target Audience
Population: People potentially impacted by technological and scientific advancements or responses to biological threats
Estimated Size: 335000000
- The bill focuses on research and development to address biotechnology threats, which can potentially impact every individual by enhancing responses to biological threats, including pandemics.
- The integration of national laboratories resources is intended to improve national security against biological threats.
- Collaboration between industry and academic institutions could result in technological advancements and new biotechnological innovations.
- The focus on COVID-19 implies direct impacts on public health and safety on a global scale as the pandemic has affected people worldwide.
Reasoning
- The budget allocations indicate a focus on research infrastructure, technology development, and long-term solutions to bio-threats.
- Many Americans may not feel a direct immediate impact but could benefit from long-term improvements in health security.
- The Cantril wellbeing scale provides insight into how people perceive their wellbeing in the context of national security measures affecting biological threats.
- Diverse views on government funding for research and the effectiveness of national lab integration would likely be present in the population.
Simulated Interviews
Public Health Official (New York, NY)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy enhances national readiness against biothreats, which is crucial for future public health.
- Investments in biotechnology can lead to faster vaccine development and better pandemic response plans.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Biotech Research Scientist (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy's focus on collaboration between labs and private industry can drive innovation.
- It provides more opportunities for research funding and career advancement in the biotech field.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Software Developer (Austin, TX)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful that advances in biotechnology through policies like this could lead to new tools and applications in health tech.
- Indirect benefits in healthcare improvements could translate to higher wellbeing overall.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
University Professor (Boston, MA)
Age: 44 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Government funding in biotechnology can create more research opportunities and enhance educational resources.
- This policy can help bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application.
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 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Small Business Owner (Houston, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Not sure how directly this policy benefits small businesses like mine.
- Hopeful that scientific advancements lead to better drugs and medical supplies, but the connection seems abstract.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Nurse (Miami, FL)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies focusing on biotechnology research are vital, especially after experiencing COVID-19 firsthand.
- Advances could mean improved health outcomes for future generations.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
National Security Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The integration of resources to counter biological threats strengthens national security significantly.
- Better preparedness can prevent future biological crises from escalating.
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 | 9 | 8 |
Graduate Student (Seattle, WA)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Excited about more funding opportunities for students and research initiatives.
- Increased collaboration with industries could open up job opportunities after graduation.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
High School Biology Teacher (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like these can make biology more exciting for students, showing them real-world applications.
- Hopeful that educational resources in biotechnology will be enhanced.
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 |
Healthcare IT Manager (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Integration of biotechnologies into healthcare IT systems will require updates and new infrastructures.
- The policy could push healthcare IT towards more innovative solutions but also may involve more budget and training challenges.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $400000000)
Year 2: $315000000 (Low: $265000000, High: $420000000)
Year 3: $330750000 (Low: $278250000, High: $441000000)
Year 5: $365734375 (Low: $307312500, High: $486562500)
Year 10: $437854687 (Low: $367097625, High: $581812500)
Year 100: $2087648855 (Low: $1743478750, High: $2763171875)
Key Considerations
- The impact of biotechnology threats is uncertain and can fluctuate based on new research findings and emerging threats.
- Initial investment may be high, but the long-term payoff in terms of preparedness and mitigation might offset these costs.
- Integration of multiple DOE offices might lead to efficiency benefits, reducing duplication but requiring effective coordination.
- Inflation and technological breakthroughs could affect future cost trajectories.