Bill · H.R. 8570· House(119-HR-8570)
Cost Estimate Clarity Act
- Introduced
- 4/29/2026
- Last activity
- 4/29/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Ben Cline
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Cost Estimate Clarity Act aims to amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. It seeks to change how the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) prepares its estimates. Specifically, the bill requires the CBO to include the effects of using baseline assumptions. This includes providing quantitative differences and explanations regarding how those assumptions impact the estimates.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill improves transparency by requiring the CBO to provide quantitative descriptions and explanations of baseline assumption effects.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+3
The bill enhances fiscal responsibility by requiring more explicit reporting on how baseline assumptions impact cost estimates.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+2
The bill increases fiscal transparency regarding how baseline assumptions might hide actual expected federal expenditures.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency of Costs: The bill requires a quantitative estimate of the difference between a CBO estimate and the actual cost if baseline assumptions were not used (Section 2, subsection b, 1). This could help people understand the true cost of measures.
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Clarity on Discrepancies: The Office would be required to explain which specific baseline assumption caused a difference in the estimate (Section 2, subsection b, 2). This provides a clearer picture of how assumptions affect the numbers.
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Insight into Program Costs: The bill requires an explanation for any programs where baseline assumptions make the estimate look like it has lower or no cost compared to actual expected federal expenditures (Section 2, subsection b, 3). This would highlight instances where the baseline assumes a program, benefit, or payment rate will continue or extend.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are identified in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3Reduces Government Spending+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- 4/29/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House