Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act

Oct 2, 2024
Oct 2, 2024

Summary

Lets government agencies share information with the Congressional Budget Office so it can figure out how much new laws will cost.

What problem does this solve?

The Congressional Budget Office sometimes had trouble getting information it needed from other government offices, which slowed down its work. This law creates a clear rule allowing agencies to share data with the CBO, making the process quicker.

Who does this affect?

  • Congressional Budget Office
  • Federal Agencies
  • United States Congress

What does this law do?

Creates a new data sharing exception
Adds a new condition to the Privacy Act of 1974, allowing federal agencies to give records and information to the Congressional Budget Office for its official work.
Authorizes data disclosure to the CBO
Gives the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, or their team, the ability to receive data directly from executive branch agencies to perform their duties.
Amends the Privacy Act of 1974
Changes a major privacy law to create a new rule for sharing information within the government, specifically for the benefit of the CBO.

What is the real world impact?

Improves government efficiency
Allows the CBO to get data more quickly, which helps Congress make faster and more informed decisions about laws and spending.
Amends data privacy rules
Creates a specific exception in the Privacy Act of 1974, which could raise concerns for privacy advocates about how personal information is shared, even between government agencies.

When does this start?

This law takes effect on October 2, 2024.