COST Act

HR 1387, the COST Act, requires federal agencies and recipients of federal funds (including states, local governments, and research grantees) to publicly disclose the percentage and dollar amount of federal funding versus non-federal funding for any program, project, or activity. This disclosure must appear in all public communications describing the initiative (except short social media posts), detailing both the federal share and the non-federal share of costs. Recipients must also certify compliance in progress reports, and the Office of Management and Budget must annually review a sample of communications for adherence and publish findings. The bill establishes a public system for anonymously reporting non-compliant communications, with reports requiring specific details about the program and the noncompliant material.