CBO Scores Protecting Cyber Networks Act

The Protecting Cyber Networks Act (HR 1560) would establish within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) a center that would be responsible for analyzing and integrating information from the intelligence community related to cyberthreats. In addition, the bill would require the government to establish procedures for sharing information and data on cyberthreats between the federal government and nonfederal entities. CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $186 million over the 2016-2020 period, assuming appropriation of the estimated amounts.

In addition, the bill would allow information shared with the government to be used in certain criminal prosecutions, which could increase federal revenues from fines as well as direct spending from the Crime Victims Fund. However, CBO anticipates that the number of cases that could be affected would be small and that any additional revenues and spending would be insignificant. Finally, section 5 of HR 1560 would make the government liable if an agency or department were to violate the privacy and civil liberty guidelines required by the bill. While such liability could result in additional direct spending, CBO does not have sufficient basis to estimate the type or frequency of violations or budgetary impact that might occur if the legislation was enacted. Because the bill would affect direct spending and revenues, pay-as-you-go procedure apply.


CBO Scores Protecting Cyber Networks Act