Reps. Takano, Casten, Foster, Beyer, and Obernolte Lead Bipartisan Coalition to Create the Congressional Office of Technology

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Reps. Mark Takano (CA-39), Sean Casten (IL-6), Bill Foster (IL-11), Don Beyer (VA-8), and Jay Obernolte (CA-23) introduced the Congressional Office of Technology Improvement and Enhancement Act to restore Congress' capacity to confront emerging issues in science and technology.

For more than twenty years, Congress had the Office of Technology Assessment, an independent, bipartisan agency set up to provide information on technology and its potential impacts. However, in 1995 the agency was defunded, stripping Congress of the ability to access unbiased scientific and technological expertise as we entered the digital age.

As emerging technologies-from artificial intelligence to fusion energy and biotechnology-rapidly reshape everyday American life, we are witnessing the consequences of defunding a vital source of scientific and technical expertise for Congress.

The need for expert advice and analysis will only continue to grow as Congress works to anticipate the effects of scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology. As Congress considers drafting legislation on emerging technology, Members of Congress require access to unbiased assessments of what is on the horizon.

"Congress cannot continue flying blind into the future. We must have an office of independent experts as we face important decisions to guide emerging technology," said Congressman Mark Takano. "Establishing the Congressional Office of Technology will enable Members of Congress to work with experts across disciplines, receive informed and unbiased feedback on legislation, and gain detailed understandings of the issues that will impact our nation. I am proud to lead this bipartisan legislation alongside my colleagues who share my commitment to independent scientific expertise."

"Each of us who serve in Congress brings a unique perspective and expertise which informs how we serve our constituents. I am confident in my ability to evaluate energy technologies and their impact on our economy and environment, but I cannot claim the same level of expertise on cybersecurity or gene-drive technologies. How many technologies with truly revolutionary potential have we failed to fund in favor of less useful dead ends? Congressional Office of Technology Improvement and Enhancement Act will ensure we're prepared to tackle the technological challenges of the future," said Congressman Sean Casten.

"For years, Congress has not been adequately prepared to engage with complex technical issues that are increasingly important to the legislation we consider. As AI-driven technology rapidly reshapes our future, it has never been more important for Members of Congress to have access to forward-looking, non-partisan technical expertise and advice. That's why I'm proud to lead the effort to revive the OTA and bring Congress into the 21st century," said Congressman Bill Foster.

"Today Congress is confronted by complex issues ranging from cybersecurity to AI to energy and climate, and so much more - and reconstituting the Office of Technology Assessment would provide the Legislative Branch with a crucial internal source of expertise and counsel," said Congressman Don Beyer. "Our bill would restore and update this key resource and bolster Congress' independence and knowledge in a key area for years to come."

"Effective policymaking requires a thorough understanding of the science and technology behind the issues Congress is tasked with addressing," said Congressman Jay Obernolte. "The Congressional Office of Technology will strengthen Congress's ability to evaluate emerging technologies by providing independent analysis, timely technical assistance, and long-term assessments of technological developments. Modernizing these resources is critical to ensuring Congress can make informed policy decisions and develop thoughtful, evidence-based legislation that addresses complex challenges without unnecessarily hindering innovation."

"More than ever, Congress needs robust, independent science and technology policy advice it can trust," said Daniel Schuman, Executive Director of the American Governance Institute. "Rep. Takano has long championed restoring that capability through the Office of Technology Assessment, and we agree the time has come for Congress to regain this essential expertise."

"There is no better time than the present to reboot the mission of the OTA with the proposed Congressional Office of Technology. Artificial intelligence is reshaping the assumptions on which policymaking rests faster than policymakers can build their own expertise," said Daniel Correa, Chief Executive Officer of Federation of American Scientists. "We applaud this bipartisan effort and their leadership decision, which will assist policymakers in making transparent, evidence-based decisions that are as forward-looking as possible."

"As the pace of scientific and technological innovation continues to accelerate, it is more important than ever that our legislators are well equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to tackle the policy challenges of today and tomorrow," said Luke Hogg, Executive Vice President at the Foundation for American Innovation Action. "Reviving Congress' long dormant capacity for technical assessment is the first step towards a better equipped legislature. We are elated by the introduction of the Congressional Office of Technology Improvement and Enhancement Act and look forward to working with Representatives Takano, Obernolte, Beyer, Foster, and Casten and their colleagues to build up technical capacity within Congress."

Text of the Congressional Office of Technology Improvement and Enhancement Act can be found here.

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