WASHINGTON (July 29) – The R Street Institute commends the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress for its recently approved recommendations to improve the technology, human resources, onboarding processes and accessibility of the House of Representatives.

Passed unanimously at a Select Committee meeting last week, the recommendations include 24 bipartisan reforms that will help Congress function better and strengthen the capacity of the legislative branch. In particular, R Street applauds the Select Committee’s recommendation to reestablish and restructure an improved Office of Technology Assessment (OTA). According to R Street’s policy experts, reviving the OTA is the best way for Congress to bolster its technology policy aptitude and strengthen its ability to cope with technological challenges.

“Upgrading Congress for the 21st century is a huge effort,” R Street Vice President of Policy Kevin Kosar said. “All Americans should be thrilled that the Select Committee has recommended a slew of reforms that can make our national legislature work better for all Americans.”

Additionally, R Street celebrates the introduction of H.Res.526, which includes the Select Committee’s first round of recommendations, and is ready for consideration by the Committee on House Administration. R Street urges the House Administration Committee to quickly consider and approve the recommendations.

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