H.R. 237 would authorize the annual appropriation of $42 million to operate the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System over the 2019-2023 period. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 237 would cost $188 million over the 2019-2023 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts.
Enacting H.R. 237 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 237 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029.
H.R. 237 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA).
ESTIMATED COST TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
The estimated budgetary effect of H.R. 237 is shown in the following table. The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 300 (natural resources and environment).
BASIS OF ESTIMATE
For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 237 will be enacted near the end of 2018 and that the necessary amounts will be appropriated for each fiscal year beginning in 2019. Estimated outlays follow historical spending patterns for the program.
H.R. 237 would authorize the annual appropriation of $42 million through 2023 to carry out activities under the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act. That act requires the federal government to monitor ocean characteristics and perform other activities, including forecasting the weather, assessing water quality, and monitoring shipping operations. In 2018, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration allocated $31 million to carry out those activities. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 237 would cost $188 million over the 2019-2023 period and $22 million after 2023.
PAY-AS-YOU-GO CONSIDERATIONS: None.
INCREASE IN LONG-TERM DIRECT SPENDING AND DEFICITS
CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 237 would not increase net direct spending or onbudget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029.
MANDATES
H.R. 237 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in UMRA.
