Senate Committee Advances Technology Funding Bills

The Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced several funding bills, including a $25 million allocation to the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF), which is less than the requested $75 million from the Biden administration. The TMF is vital for helping agencies transition from legacy IT systems, yet has faced cuts in previous funding packages. Meanwhile, the Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act passed out of the Senate committee with a 10-1 vote, aiming to secure funding for the TMF after significant rescissions in the fiscal year 2024 budget. GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan emphasized the necessity of adequate resources to meet growing IT modernization demands. In addition to TMF funding discussions, lawmakers are also engaged in broader tech legislation concerning privacy and online safety, with various bills pending in Congress. The legislative landscape remains dynamic as lawmakers prepare for end-of-year negotiations on these critical issues.