H.R. 506 would establish a new federal crime against defrauding individuals of veterans’ benefits. As a result, the government might be able to pursue cases that it otherwise would not be able to prosecute. CBO expects that the bill would apply to a relatively small number of offenders, however, so any increase in costs for law enforcement, court proceedings, or prison operations would not be significant. Any such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
Because those prosecuted and convicted under H.R. 506 could be subject to criminal fines, the federal government might collect additional fines under the bill. Criminal fines are recorded as revenues, deposited in the Crime Victims Fund, and later spent without further appropriation action. CBO expects that any additional revenues and direct spending would not be significant because the legislation would probably affect only a small number of cases.
Because enacting H.R. 506 would affect direct spending and revenues, pay-as-you-go procedures apply. However, CBO estimates that any such effects would be insignificant in any year.
CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 506 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2028.
H.R. 506 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
