The House on Nov. 18 approved the DATA Act, which is viewed as significant legislation to bring more transparency to government spending.

In a 388-1 vote, the lawmakers passed the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (HR 2061). The Senate previously passed its own version, which is less expansive than the House version.

Implementation of the House’s DATA Act would cost $395 million over five years, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The DATA Act would upgrade USAspending.gov and make it more reliable. It also would provide for data standardization, unique identifiers for contractors and grantees, and the ability to combine data streams.

The House bill also extends anti-fraud and abuse activities authorized under the stimulus package of 2009. The Senate version does not include those.