Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Chairwoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) led a hearing in Washington focusing on IT modernization within the federal government. In the session titled “Unlocking Government Efficiency Through IT Modernization,” Mace emphasized efforts by the Trump Administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to update outdated IT systems.
Chairwoman Mace addressed attendees, highlighting, “An important role of this Subcommittee is to ensure proper management of federal technology.” She emphasized the administration’s priority in maintaining government efficiency by modernizing technology, describing federal IT as “the backbone for all government programs, operations, and spending.”
Mace pointed out the federal government’s annual expenditure on IT systems surpasses $100 billion, with nearly 80% allocated to maintaining these systems, many of which are legacy systems. She pointed out a COBOL-based system used for federal student financial aid as an example of critical systems in need of an overhaul.
Mace cited an Executive Order by President Trump that established DOGE from the reorganization of the U.S. Digital Service. This order mandates DOGE to work with agency heads for network interoperability, data integrity, and responsible data collection.
During the hearing, technology leaders from the first Trump Administration, including Ms. Kent, Ms. Graves, and Ms. Roat, shared their experiences at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their insights pointed to the challenges posed by paper-based processes that hindered digital operations and service continuity.
Chairwoman Mace reiterated the significance of the Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act she reintroduced, which reforms and reauthorizes the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF). Mace stated, “The TMF is a necessary piece of the IT modernization puzzle.”
Mace expressed gratitude to the panelists, noting that this was their first testimony together and underscored the importance of learning from past efforts to advance IT efficiency within the federal government. The hearing served as a platform to review ongoing developments and explore how to prioritize and implement successful solutions for federal IT systems.
