H.R. 4739 would require Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to issue a strategy to protect border agents from synthetic opioids. Protection measures would include training, establishing safe handling procedures, and ensuring the availability of personal protective equipment to agents at risk of opioid exposure.
CBP is currently carrying out activities similar to those required by H.R. 4739. Thus, CBO estimates that implementing the act would not have a significant cost; any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
On January 15, 2020, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for H.R. 4739, the Synthetic Opioid Exposure Prevention and Training Act, as passed by the House of Representatives on December 9, 2019. The two versions of the legislation are similar, and CBO’s estimates of their budgetary effects are the same.
