Legislative History of Technology Assessment in the U.S.

List of legislative actions related to technology assessment in the United States Congress. Note that incidental mentions of OTA may be excluded (e.g. the OTA Director is asked to lend non-specific assistance, OTA is mentioned with other legislative agencies, and so forth).

117th Congress

• Nothing here yet.

116th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress recommends reviving OTA. Unanimous vote in favor of restoring OTA, with some changes. Non-binding recommendation.

• Appropriations: EXPLANATORY STATEMENT FOR THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2021 FY2021. Includes language to encourage CRS to expand S&T capacity, and requires GAO to report back to LBA on STAA's congressional protocols.

Unsuccessful legislative actions

• Legislation: S. 2509. A bill to rename the Office of Technology Assessment as the Congressional Office of Technology, to revise the functions and duties of the Office, and for other purposes. Sponsored by Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), et al.

• Legislation: H.R. 4426. A bill to rename the Office of Technology Assessment as the Congressional Office of Technology, to revise the functions and duties of the Office, and for other purposes. Sponsored by Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA), et al.

• Appropriations: House Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill FY2020. Includes $6M in funding to revive OTA. Removed in final bill. STAA was plussed up in the final package instead.

Other materials

• GAO STAA: Initial Plan and Considerations Moving Forward
• GAO Technology Assessment Design Handbook (December 2019)
• Cyberspace Solarium Commission Report. Recommends reviving OTA. (March 2020)

Letters to Congress

• Lincoln Network and Demand Progress: "Evaluating the 2019 NAPA Report on S&T Policy Assessment and Resources for Congress" (December 3, 2019)

• Lincoln Network, FreedomWorks, Vint Cerf, et al., “Re: Strengthening Legislative Branch Capacity on Science and Technology.” 9-May-2019.

115th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.R.5895 – Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019
  • Conference Version: Conference report at joint explanatory statement. Directs a study by NAPA on technology assessment administered by CRS, as well as the expansion of GAO's tech assessment program. Published 10-Sept-2018.
    • Senate Version: S. Rept. 115-274. Directs a study by NAPA on technology assessment administered by GAO, as well as the expansion of GAO's tech assessment program. Published 14-June-2018.
    • House Version: H. Rept. 115-696. Directed a study by NAPA or similar entity on technology assessment administered by CRS. Published 21-May-2018.

Unsuccessful legislative actions

• H.Amdt.219 to H.R.3219. Vote: 26-Jul-2017 ; Failed 191 - 236.
• H.Amdt.761 to H.R.5895. Vote: 8-Jun-2018; Failed 195 - 217.
• S.3357 - Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act. Introduced 21-Aug-2018.
• H.Res.849. Introduced 26-Apr-2018.

Hearings

• House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, "FY 2019 Legislative Branch Member Day and Outside Witness Hearing." 17-April 17-2018.

Letters to Congress

• R Street Institute, Lincoln Network, et al., “Re: Enhancing Congressional Capacity on Technology Policy,.” 21-May-2018.

Other materials

• Office of the Democratic Leader, "A Better Deal." Agenda includes reestablishing OTA.
• Office of the Democratic Whip, "Returning to a Government Of, By, and For the People." Mentions reestablishing OTA.

114th Congress

Unsuccessful legislative actions

• H.Amdt.1171 to H.R.5325. Vote 10-Jun-2016; Failed 179 - 223.
• H.Res.605. Introduced 4-Feb-2016.
• Discussion draft from Rep. Chaffetz, R-Utah. Would amend the Technology Assessment Act of 1972, renaming OTA the "Office of Systems, Technology, and Innovation / Technology and Innovation Assessment," expanding the Technology Assessment Board to 25 members, as well as making other changes. Circulated 1-Nov-2016.

113th Congress

Unsuccessful legislative actions

• H.Amdt.649 to H.R.4487. Vote: 1-May-2014; Failed 164 - 248.

112th Congress

Unsuccessful legislative actions

• H.Amdt.711 to H.R.2551. Vote 22-Jul-2011; Failed 176 - 235.

111th Congress

Letters to Congress

• Union of Concerned Scientists, Sunlight Foundation, et al., “Ninety Diverse Organizations Support Restoring the OTA.” 7-May-2010.

110th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: S. Rept. 110-89; H. Rept. 110-198. Provided additional funding for GAO's technology assessment program and made it permanent. See: Public Law 110-161. Enacted 26-Dec-2007.

Unsuccessful legislative actions

• S.2307. Proposal to create a Science and Technology Assessment Service in the legislative branch. Introduced 5-Nov-2007.

109th Congress

Hearings

• House Committee on Science, “Scientific and Technical Advice for the U.S. Congress." 25-July-2006.

108th Congress

Unsuccessful legislative actions

• H.R.125. Introduced 7-Jan-2003.
• H.R.4670 - To provide for the establishment of a Center for Scientific and Technical Assessment. Introduced 23-June-2004.
• H.R.6. Proposal to create a Science and Technology Assessment Service in the legislative branch. Introduced 7-Apr-2003.

107th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H. Rept. 107-259. Provided funding for GAO's technology assessment pilot.

Unsuccessful legislative actions

• H.R.2148. Introduced 13-June-2001.
• S.1716. Proposal to create a Science and Technology Assessment Service in the legislative branch. Introduced 15-Nov-2001.
• H.R.4 - Energy Policy Act of 2002. Proposal to create a Science and Technology Assessment Service in the legislative branch. Introduced 27-July-2001.

106th Congress

105th Congress

104th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.R.2492 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1996. Eliminates funding for OTA except for $3,615,000 to conduct orderly closure of the office. See: Public Law 104–53. Enacted 19-Nov-1995.

Unsuccessful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.R.1854 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1996. Vetoed 3-Oct-1995.
  • H.Amdt.451 to H.Amdt.450 (Amends H.R.1854). An amendment, offered as a substitute to the Fazio amendment to reduce the appropriation for the Library of Congress by $15 million and to increase the appropriation for the Congressional Research Service by an equal amount, to enable CRS to assume the functions of the Office of Technology Assessment. Vote 21-Jun-1995; Agreed 228 - 201.
  • H.Amdt.450 to H.R.1854. An amendment to restore funding for the Office of Technology Assessment. The amendment would add $18.6 million in funds to continue funding of the office at a level 15% less than current levels. Vote 21-Jun-1995; Failed 213 - 214.
  • H.Amdt.453 to H.Amdt.452 (Amends H.R.1854). On agreeing to the Houghton amendment (A008) Agreed to without objection 20-Jun-1995.
  • H.Amdt.452 to H.R.1854. An amendment, as amended by the Houghton amendment, to reduce the appropriation for the Library of Congress by $15 million and to increase the appropriation for the Congressional Research Service by an equal amount, to enable CRS to assume the functions of the Office of Technology Assessment. The amendment is identical to amendment No. 5, as amended by amendment No. 6, on which the proceedings of June 21, 1995 were vacated. Vote 22-Jun-1995; Agreed 220 - 204.
  • S.Amdt.1808 to H.R.1854. To restore funding to the Office of Technology Assessment. Vote 20-July-1995; Motion to table agreed 54-45.

Hearings

• House Committee on Appropriations, “Downsizing government and setting priorities of federal programs.” 14-April-1995.

103rd Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.R. 2348 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1994. Funding for OTA of $21,315,000. Enacted 11-Aug-1993.
• Appropriations: H.R. 4454 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1995. Funding for OTA of $21,970,000. Enacted 22-July-1994.
• S. 1614 - Better Nutrition and Health for Children Act of 1994. Directs OTA and GAO to conduct a study on the use of private food establishments and caterers by schools that participate in the school lunch program. Enacted 2-Nov-1994.
• H.R. 5252 - Social Security Act Amendments of 1994. Directs OTA to conduct a study on organ procurement agencies. Enacted 31-Oct-1994.

Unsuccessful legislative actions

• H.R. 3777 - Office of Technology Assessment Termination Act. Introduced 2-Feb-1994.

102nd Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.R. 2506 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1992. Funding for OTA of $21,025,000. Enacted 14-Aug-1991.
• Appropriations: H.R. 5427 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1993. Funding for OTA of $21,025,000. Enacted 6-Oct-1992.
• H.R. 2100 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1992 and 1993. Directs OTA to study effects of regulations under section 2372 of title 10. Enacted 5-Dec-1990.
• H.R. 5193 - Veterans Health Care Act of 1992. Directs OTA to conduct a study of intermediate and long-term health consequences of military service in the Persian Gulf theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War (later repealed under Public Law 103-160). Enacted 4-Nov-1992.
• H.R. 6181 - FDA User Fee bill. Directs OTA to conduct a study on dietary supplements. Enacted 29-Aug-1992.

101st Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.R. 3014 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1990. Funding for OTA of $18,900,000. Enacted 21-Nov-1989.
• Appropriations: H.R. 5399 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991. Funding for OTA of $19,557,000. Enacted 5-Nov-1990.
• H.R. 7 - Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act Amendments of 1990https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/101/hr7/text. Directs OTA to conduct a study of education programs. Enacted 25-Sept-1990.
• S. 933 - Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Directs OTA to establish and advisory committee and conduct a study on access needs of individuals with disabilities to buses. Enacted 26-July-1990.
• H.R. 4793 - Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1990. Directs OTA to conduct a study of the effects of deregulation on the economic vitality of rural areas. Enacted 15-Nov-1990.
• S. 2830 - Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. Directs OTA to conduct a study on the costs and benefits of establishing a national digital library system (repealed by Public Law 104-127). Enacted 28-Nov-1990.

100th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.J.Res. 395. Funding for OTA of $16,901,000. Enacted 22-Dec-1987.
• Appropriations: H.R. 1827 - Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1987. Provides supplemental funding of $350,000 for OTA. Enacted 11-July-1987.
• Appropriations: H.R. 4587 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1989. Funding for OTA of $17,937,000. Enacted 1-Oct-1988.
• S. 2560 - Hunger Prevention Act of 1988. Directs OTA to conduct a study and comparison of performance standards for nutrition assistance programs. Enacted 19-Sept-1988.

99th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.R. 2577 - Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1985. Provides supplemental funding of $120,000 for OTA. Enacted 15-Aug-1985.
• Appropriations: H.R. 2942 - Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1986. Funding for OTA of $15,300,000. Enacted 13-Nov-1985.
• H.R. 3128 - Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985. Directs OTA Director to appoint 11 member Physician Payment Review Commission. Enacted 17-Apr-1986.
• H.R. 2100 - Food Security Act of 1985. Directs OTA to conduct a study of grain export quality standards and grain handling practices. Enacted 23-Dec-1985.
• S. 1744 - State Comprehensive Mental Health Services Plan Act of 1986. Directs OTA Director to appoint 15 member Advisory Panel on Alzheimer's Disease. Enacted 14-Nov-1986.
• H.J.Res. 465 - Ethics in Government Act Amendments of 1985. Provides $700,000 for OTA to conduct a classified study on the Strategic Defense Initiative Program. Enacted 19-Dec-1985.
• H.R. 5300 - Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986. Directs OTA Director to appoint 2 additional members of the Physician Payment Review Commission. Enacted 21-Oct-1986.

98th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.R. 3069 - Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1983. Provides supplemental funding of $165,000 for OTA. Enacted 30-July-1983.
• Appropriations: H.R. 3135 - Congressional Operations Appropriation Act, 1984. Funding for OTA of $14,653,000. Enacted 14-July-1983.
• Appropriations: H.R. 6040 - Second Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1984. Provides supplemental funding of $178,000 for OTA. Enacted 22-Aug-1984.
• Appropriations: H.R. 5753 - Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1985. Funding for OTA of $15,549,000. Enacted 17-July-1984.
• H.R. 2920 - Veterans Health Care Amendments of 1983. Requires the OTA Director to submit a report on veterans' health care programs. Enacted 21-Nov-1983.
• H.R. 4170 - Deficit Reduction Act of 1984. Requires the OTA Director to conduct a study of physician reimbursement under medicare. Enacted 18-July-1984.

97th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.R. 3512 - Supplemental Appropriations and Recission Act, 1981. Funding for OTA of $15,400,000. Enacted 5-June-1981.
• Appropriations: H.J.Res. 325. Funding for OTA of $12,019,000. Enacted 1-Oct-1981.
• Appropriations: H.R. 6863 - Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1982. Provides supplemental funding of $150,000 for OTA. Enacted 10-Sept-1982.
• H.R. 6211 - Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982. Includes a directive for OTA to conduct a study of high speed ferry boat operation in the Caribbean Sea. Enacted 6-Jan-1983.

96th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.J.Res. 412. Funding for OTA of $11,000,000. See: Public Law 96-86. Provides supplemental funding of $199,000 for OTA. Enacted 12-Oct-1979.
• Appropriations: H.R. 7542 - Supplemental Appropriations and Rescission Act of 1980. Enacted 8-July-1980.

Reports

• Congressional Research Service, "Technical information for Congress, Third Edition." July-1979.

95th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.R. 7932. Funding for OTA of $7,400,000. Enacted 5-Aug-1977.
• Appropriations: H.R. 12935. Funding for OTA of $$9,700,000. Enacted 3-Sept–1978.
• S. 2052. Extends Capitol Police protection to OTA offices. Enacted 13-Nov-1977.

Hearings

• House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Science, Research and Technology, "Review of the Technology Assessment Act."

94th Congress

Successful legislative actions

• H.R. 11804. Includes directive for OTA to conduct a study of the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970. Enacted 8-Jul-1976.
• Appropriations: H.R. 13172. Provides supplemental funding for OTA of $93,000. Enacted 1-Jul-1976.

Hearings

• "Hearings before the Technology Assessment Board." 1976.

Reports

• Technology Assessment Board, "Technology Assessment in Business and Government." Published Jan-1977.

93rd Congress

Successful legislative actions

• Appropriations: H.R. 6691. Initial funding for OTA of $2,000,000. Enacted 1-Nov-1973.
• Appropriations: H.R. 14012. Funding for OTA of $4,000,000. Enacted 13-Aug-1974.

Reports

• Congressional Research Service, "Office of Technology Assessment: background and status." 15-Oct-1973.

92nd Congress

Successful legislative actions

• H.R. 10243 - Technology Assessment Act of 1972. Authorizing legislation for OTA. See: Public Law 92-484, 2 U.S.C. 15 §§ 471-481. Enacted 13-Oct-1972.

Reports

• Staff study of Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Subcommittee on Computer Services, "Technology assessment for the Congress." Published 1-Nov-1972.
• Congressional Research Service, "Technical information for Congress, Second Edition." 29-June-1971.

91st Congress

Unsuccessful legislative actions

• H.R. 17046. Citation needed.

Hearings

• House Committee on Science and Astronautics, Subcommittee on Science, Research and Development, "Technology Assessment and the Environment: Hearings before the Subcommittee on Science, Research and Development." Citation needed.
• House Committee on Science and Astronautics, Subcommittee on Science, Research and Development, "Hearings on H.R. 17046." Published 31-Aug-1970.

Reports

• Congressional Research Service, "Technical information for Congress, First Edition." 18-April-1969.

90th Congress

89th Congress

Hearings

• House Committee on Science and Astronautics, Subcommittee on Science, Research and Development, "Inquires, Legislation Policy Studies Regarding Science and Technology: The Second Progress Report of the Subcommittee on Science Research and Development." Citation needed.