Information Technology Modernization Act

On Monday, Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer introduced H.R. 4897, the Information Technology Modernization Act, legislation that was sent to Congress by the White House on Friday, April 8. This bill is an innovative new way to upgrade and modernize government technology while strengthening cybersecurity. H.R. 4897 is co-sponsored by Ranking Member Elijah Cummings, Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Rep. Jose Serrano, Rep. Gerry Connolly, Rep. Tammy Duckworth, Rep. Robin Kelly, and Rep. Ted Lieu.

U.S. Chief Information Officer Tony Scott:“Over the last seven years, the President has made clear that cybersecurity is one of the most important challenges we face as a Nation, including strengthening the cybersecurity of Federal networks, systems, and data…while the Federal Government has made significant progress in improving its cybersecurity capabilities, more work remains…Currently, civilian agencies spend 71 percent ($36 billion) of their IT budget to maintain legacy IT investments, which limits funding for the development of more secure and efficient technology solutions.” [4/8/16]

H.R. 4897 will create the Information Technology Modernization Fund (ITMF), a cost-saving fund aimed at improving cybersecurity by replacing antiquated IT infrastructure with easy-to-maintain, high-functioning, and transparent systems.

How the ITMF works:

• A one-time investment of $3 billion provides funding for ITMF; the fund will be overseen by an independent review board.
• Government agencies submit proposals to the board for upgrading their IT systems.
• The board will select the highest-impact, highest-priority upgrade projects to receive funding in a rapid and transparent manner.
• Once an agency completes an upgrade, it will repay the ITMF over time.
• The initial investment of $3 billion is expected to address $12 billion in projects over the first ten years.
• The fund continually refreshes systems based on new technologies and best practices.
• All projects funded by the ITMF will be required to provide regular status updates on a publically available digital dashboard. 

Civilian agencies currently spend up to three-quarters of their IT budgets maintaining “legacy” systems that are less efficient and less secure. The ITMF will fund the transition to modern infrastructure, facilitating a government-wide transition to common platforms. IT experts at the General Services Administration will ensure that all projects funded by the ITMF make use of the latest best practices from Silicon Valley, including shared services, cloud hosting, and agile development. 

The ITMF will make government work better for the people it serves—and renew the American people’s faith that government can be a source of solutions.