CBO Scores the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act

The Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act (HR 3654) would require the President, within 90 days of the bill’s enactment, to develop and submit to the Congress a report on terrorists’ use of social media and an overview of current efforts to counter those activities. Within 180 days of the bill’s enactment, the bill also would require the President to develop and submit to the Congress a comprehensive strategy to counter terrorists’ use of social media.

Based on the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost less than $500,000 over the 2016-2020 period; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated amounts. Enacting H.R. 3654 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3654 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2026. H.R. 3654 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments.