CBO Score and “Such Sums as Necessary” Language Update

The FASD Respect Act as introduced to the 118th Congress has language regarding appropriations that reads: “There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028″. This essentially means that there is no dollar amount prescribed by this bill, and the funding would be determined by the legislators themselves in the proper Appropriations Subcommittees.

While the FASD Respect Act was written this way at the suggestion of lawmakers, there are now some objections to “such sums as may be necessary” language. Of concern to certain Congresspeople is how this bill will impact federal spending. As there is no dollar amount listed in this bill, they would like to know the cost of the authorized programs over four years to be assured that it will not lead to high levels of federal expenditure. This is something that can be determined by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) through the assignment of a CBO score. During the 117th Congress, Senator Murkowski’s office requested a CBO score for the language that would ultimately become HR. 3946/S.1800, the FASD Respect Act in the 118th Congress. The CBO responded by stating the language “would not affect direct spending or revenues. Any spending would be subject to future appropriations“.

This response indicates that the FASD Respect Act would not increase federal spending, and all spending would have to be approved through the proper channels. Lawmakers concerned with federal spending should be encouraged by this response, and we urge you to share this with those you have already met with but have not yet co-sponsored. Please look below for sample language you can use when communicating this to your Senators and Representative.

CBO was requested last session through Senator Murkowski’s office on language which became HR.3946/S.1800. CBO sent in response that the language in Senate HELP in the 117th Congress, which became HR.3946/S.1800, “would not affect direct spending or revenues. Any spending would be subject to future appropriations.”