COST Act

Key Points

• This bill, known as the COST Act, requires anyone using federal tax dollars to be open about how much they are spending. This includes government agencies, state and local governments, and people receiving federal research grants.
• Any public document describing a project—like a press release, a request for contract bids, or a formal statement—must list the exact dollar amount of federal money being used. It must also show what percentage of the total project cost comes from the federal government.
• The bill also requires these groups to show how much of the project is being paid for by private or non-government sources. This helps the public see exactly who is picking up the tab for different programs and activities.
• There is an exception for very short messages. If a communication is 280 characters or less, like a short post on social media, it does not have to include all these detailed financial numbers.
• To make sure people follow the rules, the Office of Management and Budget will perform random checks every year. They will also create a website where regular citizens can anonymously report any project that isn't properly showing its price tag.

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