Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Chairwoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has reintroduced the Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Reform Act (H.R. 2985). This bipartisan initiative seeks to reauthorize and reform the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) and its governing board, the Technology Modernization Board (TMB). The bill aims to enhance the administration of the TMF and ensure that program operations align with the original congressional intent. Additionally, it proposes the creation of a Federal Legacy IT Inventory, a new oversight tool for Congress to monitor and evaluate the federal government’s efforts in addressing legacy IT issues and assess the effectiveness of TMF-funded projects.
“The federal government spends billions on outdated, obsolete legacy IT systems — a total nightmare for taxpayers. These antiquated systems are inefficient, prevent agency mission delivery, and create cybersecurity risks within the federal government. Our bipartisan bill institutes much-needed reforms to increase transparency and ensure a pathway to modernize, replace, or retire federal legacy IT systems. As this Administration works tirelessly to make our government more efficient and effective for the American people, Congress must do its part to provide more tools to accomplish this mission,” stated Subcommittee Chairwoman Nancy Mace.
Representative Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, is an original cosponsor of the bill.
The TMF was initially designed as a novel, revolving fund mechanism to tackle federal legacy IT modernization. Prior to its establishment, the annual appropriations cycle posed challenges for agencies to plan and implement upgrades to legacy IT systems. The reauthorization and reform of the TMF are essential to maintain its status as a sustainable and solvent solution for federal legacy IT modernization.
Further details about the bill can be accessed through the provided link.
