H.R. 542 would codify laboratory programs that currently exist at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Because DHS is currently carrying out activities similar to those that would be required by this act and any new activities required under the legislation would not require substantial action by the department, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 542 would not have a significant cost. Any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
On May 22, 2019, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for H.R. 542, the Supporting Research and Development for First Responders Act, as ordered reported by the House Committee on Homeland Security on May 15, 2019. The two pieces of legislation are the similar, and CBO’s estimates of their budgetary effects are the same.
