Overview
Title
An Act To provide the Congressional Budget Office with necessary authorities to expedite the sharing of data from executive branch agencies, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to make it easier for a group called the Congressional Budget Office to get information from other parts of the government, like a team sharing their toys. But, there are worries that it might not explain clearly enough who gets to see what and if any secrets are being shared.
Summary AI
S. 1549, also known as the "Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act," is a legislative measure intended to enhance the efficiency of data sharing between executive branch agencies and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). It amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to allow the Director of the CBO, or their authorized representatives, access to federal agency information necessary for performing their duties.
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AnalysisAI
The "Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act" is a legislative effort aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) by facilitating faster access to data from federal executive agencies. Fundamentally, it amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to permit the Director of the CBO, or an authorized representative, to receive specific federal agency information necessary for the office’s functions.
General Summary of the Bill
This bill seeks to streamline the flow of information between the various branches of the government, specifically allowing the CBO to access data held by federal executive agencies more swiftly. This is achieved by modifying the existing Privacy Act of 1974 to include the CBO within the list of entities permitted to receive this information. By doing so, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the CBO in carrying out its duties, which include providing budgetary analysis and economic projections to Congress.
Summary of Significant Issues
One of the significant issues with this bill is its potential impact on privacy. By expanding the CBO's access to data held by federal agencies, there are concerns about how this information might be safeguarded against misuse. The amendment broadens data access without clearly defined limits or precautions, raising ethical and legal questions about how personal or sensitive information will be handled.
Another issue is the ambiguity surrounding the specific duties of the CBO that necessitate such access to data. The bill does not clarify why the CBO needs this information or the scope of data sharing that will occur. This lack of detail could lead to misunderstandings and concerns about how transparent and accountable these interactions will be.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, a more streamlined process for data sharing could mean more timely and accurate economic and budgetary reports from the CBO. These reports can influence legislative decision-making that affects the economy, government spending, and public services. However, concerns about data privacy might make some members of the public wary about the potential for government overreach in personal information sharing.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Positive Impacts:
- Congressional Budget Office (CBO): The CBO stands to benefit as it would receive necessary data more quickly, potentially leading to improved analyses and reports that are crucial for informed policymaking.
- Federal Agencies: Agencies could see reduced delays in responding to data requests, as this mechanism creates a clearer pathway for data sharing.
Negative Impacts:
- Privacy Advocates: Groups concerned with data privacy and security might see this act as opening the door to broader data sharing without adequate safeguards, potentially compromising individual privacy rights.
- Individuals and Data Subjects: There may be heightened concerns about how personal data is used and who has access to it, leading to anxiety over privacy and data protection.
While the intent of the bill is to improve the functioning of government processes, its implications for privacy and lack of specificity regarding the roles and responsibilities involved necessitate careful consideration and perhaps additional safeguards.
Issues
The amendment to the Privacy Act of 1974 (Section 2) suggests wider access to federal agency information by the Congressional Budget Office but lacks clear details about the safeguards or limitations. This raises potential privacy concerns regarding the sharing of sensitive data, which could have significant ethical and legal implications.
The text in Section 2 lacks clarity on the specific duties of the Congressional Budget Office that necessitate access to federal agency information, leading to ambiguity regarding the scope and need for such disclosure. This could raise political and administrative concerns as it may affect the transparency and oversight of information sharing.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the bill states that the Act will be officially known as the “Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act.”
2. Conditions of Disclosure for Federal Agency Information with the Congressional Budget Office Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines changes to the Privacy Act of 1974, allowing the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, or an authorized representative, to access certain federal agency information as part of their duties. This involves redesignating existing paragraphs and adding a new permission for such disclosures.