Description:
H.R. 4067 would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a council to make recommendations on the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications networks. Currently, the Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC), which is typically rechartered every two years (most recently in April 2021) fulfills those duties. Using information from the FCC, CBO estimates that it would cost the agency $2 million over the 2022-2026 period to administer the CSRIC. However, because the FCC is authorized to collect fees each year sufficient to offset the appropriated costs of its regulatory activities, CBO estimates that the net cost to the FCC would be negligible, assuming appropriation actions consistent with that authority. H.R. 4067 would authorize the FCC to appoint members to the committee, including representatives from federal agencies. Past iterations of the CSRIC have included representatives from the Departments of Homeland Security, Commerce, and Health and Human Services. CBO cannot predict the future composition of the CSRIC, but CBO estimates that those agencies’ participation in the council would increase spending subject to appropriation by an insignificant amount.
