House Democrats push to revive Congress' tech office

Democratic Reps are pushing to revive funding for a nonpartisan agency intended to better inform lawmakers about technology. At issue is the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), which was created by Congress in 1972 but closed its doors in 1995 after the then GOP-controlled House cut its funding. The agency provided lawmakers and staffers with expertise on science and technology issues relevant to legislation and public policy, including the areas of intellectual property, technological change, and climate.

The debate over the agency is back in the spotlight after a House Appropriations subcommittee voted May 9 to designate $6 million to the agency for “necessary expenses” in the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for fiscal 2020. Democratic Reps say there is a new urgency for the agency, as lawmakers tackle a host of complicated technology issues. But Republican Reps are wary of reopening the agency, arguing that other departments can carry out those tasks without "duplication."