H.R. 6461, READ AI Models Act

August 25, 2026

Cost Estimate

As ordered reported by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on June 25, 2026

H.R. 6461, READ AI Models ActAs ordered reported by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on June 25, 2026
By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars		2026	2026-2031	2026-2036
Direct Spending (Outlays)		0	0	0
Revenues		0	0	0
Increase or Decrease (-) in the Deficit		0	0	0
Spending Subject to Appropriation (Outlays)		0	1	not estimated
Increases net direct spending in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2037?	No	Statutory pay-as-you-go procedures apply?		No
	No	Mandate Effects
Increases on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2037?	No	Contains intergovernmental mandate?		No
	No	Contains private-sector mandate?		No

H.R. 6461 would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to carry out a pilot program to develop a structured template, along with technical guidance, for describing how an artificial intelligence model was built, tested, and intended to be used. The bill would require NIST to collaborate with relevant federal agencies and other entities, solicit public comments, and report to the Congress on the program's effectiveness.

Using information about the cost of similar provisions, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 6461 would cost $1 million over the 2026-2031 period; any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is David Hughes. The estimate was reviewed by Chad Chirico, Director of Budget Analysis.

Phillip L. Swagel Director, Congressional Budget Office

Phillip L. Swagel

Director, Congressional Budget Office