H.R. 3998 would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to study ways to enhance access to telecommunications services during emergencies when mobile service is unavailable. The act also would redefine the term “essential service provider” to explicitly include certain telecommunication mediums (such as Internet and cable services) in a list of entities that provide essential services. (Essential service providers are generally provided access to disaster sites in order to restore and repair services during emergency situations.)
On the basis of information provided by the FCC, CBO estimates that carrying out the analysis required by the act would increase the agency’s administrative costs by less than $500,000; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Under current law, the FCC is authorized to collect fees sufficient to offset the cost of its regulatory activities each year. Therefore, CBO estimates that the net cost to implement H.R. 3998 would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with the agency’s authorities.
Enacting H.R. 3998 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 3998 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2027.
H.R. 3998 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.
