COST Act

This bill would make it easier for the public to see who pays for government-backed projects. It says that federal agencies and anyone using federal funds—including state or local governments and research grantees—must clearly state, in public materials like press releases, requests for proposals, and bid notices, how much of the total cost comes from federal money (percent and dollars) and how much comes from non‑government sources (percent and dollars). Very short messages (280 characters or less) do not have to include this info.

Groups that get federal funds must also confirm in their progress reports that they followed these disclosure rules. Each year, the Office of Management and Budget will review a random sample of public communications to check compliance and will publish its findings. Within one year after the bill becomes law, OMB must provide a way for people to anonymously report communications that don’t follow the rules, including a copy or link to the communication and basic details about the project.

• Who is affected: Federal agencies (including independent regulators), state and local governments, and recipients of federal research grants.
• What changes: Public materials must show the percent and dollar amounts of federal and non‑government funding; recipients must confirm compliance in progress reports; OMB will audit and publish results; an anonymous reporting tool will be created.
• When: OMB’s reviews happen every year, and the anonymous reporting system must be available within one year after enactment.