CBO Scores the Digital Global Access Policy Act

The Digital Global Access Policy Act (HR 1359) would direct the Department of State and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to collaborate with other agencies, international organizations, foreign governments, and other entities to promote the availability of access to the Internet in developing countries. In addition, the bill would require the Administration to report to the Congress on its policy to promote such access.

The Department of State and USAID indicate that upon enactment of HR1359 they would hire 25 full-time employees (at an average compensation of about $126,000 in 2020) to support efforts to improve Internet infrastructure in developing countries, encourage digital literacy programs, and provide technical advice. After adjusting for inflation, CBO estimates that implementing HR 1359 would cost $17 million over the 2020-2024 period. The cost of the legislation fall in budget function 150 (international affairs).