CBO Scores Federal Spectrum Incentive Act

The Federal Spectrum Incentive Act (HR 3674) would modify existing law regarding the management of the electromagnetic spectrum used by federal agencies. It would increase the amounts authorized to be spent, without further appropriation, to reimburse agencies that incur expenses when spectrum is reallocated from federal to commercial use. The bill also would authorize the use of alternative forms of compensation for agencies affected by spectrum reallocation efforts.

CBO estimates that enacting HR 3674 would increase net direct spending by $30 million over the 2015-2024 period; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures apply to the bill. In addition, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would lower discretionary spending by $8 million over the 2015-2019 period, assuming appropriations are reduced by the necessary amounts. Enacting this bill would not affect revenues. HR 3674 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments.