H.R. 5729 would prohibit the U.S. Coast Guard from implementing a rule that, under current law, will take effect on August 23, 2018. The rule requires owners and operators of certain vessels and facilities regulated by the Coast Guard to check biometric security credentials allowing access to certain secure areas. H.R. 5729 would suspend implementation of the rule until 60 days after the Secretary of Homeland Security has reported to the Congress on the efficacy of such credentials for enhancing security. The bill also would require the Secretary to periodically update the Congress on the status of that assessment.
CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 5729 would not significantly affect the federal budget. Delaying implementation of the affected rule would not alter the timing or magnitude of cash flows related to federally issued credentials nor would it significantly affect the Coast Guard’s administrative costs, which are subject to appropriation. The Department of Homeland Security is already required to complete an assessment related to the effectiveness of credentials issued to transportation workers.
Enacting H.R. 5729 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 5729 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029.
H.R. 5729 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
