Description:
As introduced in the House of Representatives on November 20, 2014
H.R. 5754 would establish the Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking (Commission) to study the inventory and infrastructure of data related to federal programs. The 15-member commission would be directed to determine the best structure for information that is collected and maintained by federal agencies to effectively analyze and evaluate federal programs. Further, the commission would consider whether to establish a clearinghouse for information collected by federal agencies. Finally, the bill would require the commission to report to the President and the Congress, no later than 15 months after a majority of members have been appointed, a statement of its findings along with recommendations for legislation or administrative actions it considers appropriate.
Based on information from the National Academy of Public Administration, the entity that would provide administrative support to the commission, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 5754 would cost $3 million over the 2015-2019 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts. The bill would authorize the appropriation of $2 million for the commission’s operating expenses; CBO estimates the commission would spend an additional $1 million for experts and consultants needed to complete the study within the time frame set out in the bill. Enacting H.R. 5754 would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.
H.R. 5754 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.
