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H.R. 4426

Office of Technology Assessment Improvement and Enhancement Act

Office of Technology Assessment Improvement and Enhancement Act

This bill renames and revises the functions and duties of the Office of Technology Assessment which, composed of a Technology Assessment Board and a director, provides Congress with assessments of probable technology application impacts.

Specifically, the bill renames the office the Congressional Office of Technology, and it requires the office to undertake additional duties, such as providing to Members of Congress (1) certain information without the need for board review, (2) certain technical assistance on legislation related to science and technology without the need for board review, and (3) objective policy options on how Members may achieve goals with respect to science and technology policy.

The bill authorizes Members of Congress to submit to the board a request that the office undertake an assessment activity. Additionally, the bill requires the Congressional Research Service and the Government Accountability Office to coordinate technology assessment activities with the office to avoid duplication or overlapping of research activities.

The office may temporarily appoint specified technical and professional personnel to work for the office, and the office must also make the findings of completed analyses publicly available.

The bill also (1) revises the appointment of board members, (2) requires the board to hold an annual meeting at which Members of Congress may appear and present information regarding technology assessment activities, and (3) requires the board to report annually on the activities of the office.

Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-41](D-CA)Sponsor
51 cosponsors50 D1 R
51cosponsors1committees3actions1related bills9subjects
  1. IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

    Committee on House Administration
  2. IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  3. IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Office of Technology Assessment Improvement and Enhancement Act — Informed