Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act

Sep 30, 2024
Sep 30, 2024

Summary

Gives the Congressional Budget Office stronger power to get information from government agencies to help it make better budget predictions.

What problem does this solve?

The Congressional Budget Office sometimes struggled to get needed information from other government agencies in a timely manner. This law clarifies that agencies must share data and makes it harder for future laws to block this access.

Who does this affect?

  • Congressional Budget Office
  • Federal Executive Branch Agencies
  • U.S. Congress

What does this law do?

Strengthens CBO's data access
Gives the Director of the Congressional Budget Office clear power to get information from executive agencies, as long as the CBO keeps the information secret as required by law.
Protects future data access
States that new laws cannot limit the CBO's power to get data unless the new law specifically says it is meant to do so. This prevents accidental changes from blocking access.
Requires a report on data sharing
Requires the CBO Director to send a report to Congress within one year. The report will list all data requests and any problems faced when trying to get information from agencies.

What is the real world impact?

Improves government efficiency
Ensures the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) can get the data it needs without long delays. This helps Congress make faster and more informed decisions about the national budget.
Strengthens congressional oversight
Increases the power of a legislative branch agency (the CBO) to demand information from the executive branch. This could be seen as a way for Congress to have more insight and control over executive agencies.

When does this start?

This law takes effect on September 30, 2024, and includes a deadline for a report to be submitted.
Report on data access
By September 30, 2025, the CBO Director must report to Congress on any challenges faced while requesting information from executive agencies.