CBO Scores the Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act of 2018 (S 645)

The Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act of 2018 (S 645) would direct the Department of Commerce (DOC) to assess and analyze the contributions of the digital economy to the economy of the United States and produce a report every two years. The analysis would include the effect of digital-enabling infrastructure, broadband, e-commerce, and digital media.

CBO estimates that implementing S 645 would cost $2 million over the 2019-2023 period for the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to coordinate with several federal agencies and produce the required analysis and reports; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Enacting S 645 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting S 645 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029.