H.R. 9151 would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a unit within its criminal division to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes, including the evasion of sanctions, tariffs, or duties; trade-based money laundering; and smuggling. The bill also would require DOJ to report annually to the Congress on the unit’s activities.
Based on the costs of similar programs and activities, CBO estimates that DOJ would need 10 people, at an average annual cost of $250,000 per person in 2025, and $8 million annually in administrative costs to implement the bill’s requirements. Accounting for anticipated inflation, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 9151 would cost $50 million over the 2025-2029 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 750 (administration of justice).
Table 1.
Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under H.R. 9151
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2025-2029
Estimated Authorization
5
11
12
12
12
52
Estimated Outlays
5
10
11
12
12
50
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.
