Sens. Moran, Peters Reintroduce Legislation to Reauthorize and Reform the Technology Modernization Fund

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) reintroduced the Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act, legislation that would modernize and reauthorize the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) through 2032. This legislation also imposes additional requirements and oversight on agencies receiving TMF funding, making certain funding is prioritized towards long-term modernization projects.

This legislation expands on the Modernizing Government Technology Act, legislation introduced by Sen. Moran in 2017, that established the TMF to provide multi-year funding and repayment flexibility for agencies to modernize IT systems, improve government services and strengthen cybersecurity. This legislation was included in the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and was signed into law later that year.

"Bolstering our national cybersecurity is critical as America continues to face growing threats of cybercrime and espionage from our adversaries," said Sen. Moran. "This legislation would extend funding for the Technology Modernization Fund, allowing federal agencies to improve outdated data security systems and eliminate long-term wasteful spending in the process."

"This bill ensures government technology keeps pace with the needs of the American people," said Sen. Peters. "By modernizing outdated systems and strengthening oversight, we're ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, strengthening cybersecurity, and improving services that millions of Americans rely on every day."

U.S. Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC-01), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), and Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) introduced companion legislation in the House.

Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

Specifically, this legislation would:

• Reauthorize the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) through 2032.
• Authorize TMF funds to be used for IT projects that improve an agency's ability to execute its mission and deliver services to the public.
• Impose additional requirements for agencies that receive funds to reimburse the TMF.
• Revise the criteria by which agency applications for TMF funding are evaluated to include the extent to which they address the greatest security, privacy and operational risks; impact of modernizing, retiring or replacing legacy IT systems; and ability of an agency to reimburse funds provided.

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