April 29, 2026
Mr. Cline introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require the Congressional Budget Office to include the effects of using baseline assumptions when preparing estimates under such Act, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Cost Estimate Clarity Act
.
Sec. 2. Effect of baseline on CBO estimates
Section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 653) is amended—
(1)
by striking The Director
and inserting the following:
(a) In general
The Director; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following:
(b) Effects of baseline
With respect to any estimate prepared under subsection (a), the Office shall, to the greatest extent practicable, include a description of the effects of using baseline assumptions under section 257 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 907) on the estimate, including—
(1)
a quantitative estimate of the difference between the estimate and the cost of the measure if baseline assumptions were not used to prepare such estimate;
(2)
which baseline assumption caused such difference; and
(3)
an explanation of any programs or provisions for which the baseline assumptions results in the estimate showing lower or no budgetary cost relative to actual expected Federal expenditures, including any instance where the baseline assumes the extension or continuation of a program, benefit, or payment rate.