Cost Estimate Clarity Act
H.R. 8570119th Congress

Cost Estimate Clarity Act

Introduced in the HouseRep. Ben Cline (R-VA-6)9 sections · 1 min read
Version: Introduced in House · Apr 29, 2026

Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the Cost Estimate Clarity Act.

Section 2. Effect of baseline on CBO estimates

Section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 653) is amended—

(1) by striking The Director and inserting the following:

(a) In general

The Director; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

(b) Effects of baseline

With respect to any estimate prepared under subsection (a), the Office shall, to the greatest extent practicable, include a description of the effects of using baseline assumptions under section 257 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 907) on the estimate, including—

(1) a quantitative estimate of the difference between the estimate and the cost of the measure if baseline assumptions were not used to prepare such estimate;

(2) which baseline assumption caused such difference; and

(3) an explanation of any programs or provisions for which the baseline assumptions results in the estimate showing lower or no budgetary cost relative to actual expected Federal expenditures, including any instance where the baseline assumes the extension or continuation of a program, benefit, or payment rate.

to ask questions about this bill.