Bill to modernize, strengthen government IT systems advanced by House

A bill that seeks to reduce wasteful spending on the nation’s outdated IT systems and enhance security by expediting the government’s transition to modern technology like cloud computing was recently approved by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The bill, titled the Modernizing Government Technology (MGT) Act, was introduced by U.S. Reps. Will Hurd (R-TX), Robin Kelly (D-IL), and Gerry Connolly (D-VA). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Tom Udall (D-NM).

The MGT Act aims to utilize savings obtained by federal agencies by streamlining IT systems, replacing legacy products, and transitioning to cloud computing to be placed in a working capital fund that can be accessed for up to three years for further modernization efforts.

“As technology becomes more and more integrated into our lives – our institutions must keep pace. I’ve been fighting to get this bill signed into law because the American people deserve a government that is resilient and responsive to them,” Hurd said. “The MGT Act will enhance cybersecurity, increase government accountability and help government be more efficient in serving the American people.”

Udall cited the recent WannaCry ransomware attack as reason for cosponsoring the Senate bill, stating that global cyberattacks were becoming increasingly sophisticated and posed a complex and serious threat to national security.

The bill has yet to be considered by the Senate.