Connolly Applauds Inclusion of $1B for TMF in American Rescue Plan

Press Release

Congressman Gerry Connolly, Chairman of the House Government Operations subcommittee, released the following statement on the inclusion of $1 billion for the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) in the American Rescue Plan. The legislation now heads to President Biden to be signed into law.

"Throughout this global health crisis, millions of Americans facing illness, unemployment, food insecurity, and an inability to pay their mortgages or rent have looked to the federal government for help. Yet despite urgent Congressional action to provide unprecedented levels of economic assistance, those in need have had their misery exacerbated by a broken IT infrastructure that has prevented them from receiving timely support," Connolly said.

"I want to thank the Biden administration for their relentless commitment to the Technology Modernization Fund, and support in the American Rescue Plan. This $1 billion investment will enable federal agencies to better respond to the coronavirus pandemic and future national emergencies as well as meet the urgent economic needs of American families," Connolly added.

Connolly, along with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, has been a leading advocate for the TMF. He previously sent letters to House and Senate leadership in support of robust investment in the TMF. The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, passed by the House on May 15, 2020, included $1 billion for the TMF to remain available until the end of FY 2022. Funding for the TMF was also endorsed by the New Democrat Coalition. In September, Connolly penned an OpEd, "A Call for Visionary Investment," on the need to invest in the TMF.

Congress established the TMF as part of the bipartisan Modernizing Government Technology Act to help agencies kick-start IT modernization efforts, including the replacement of legacy systems and enhancing cybersecurity. The TMF offers agencies IT funding that can be repaid over time using savings realized by modernization projects. The TMF is governed by a board of federal IT, financial management, and acquisition experts that help vet projects and ensure they are delivering on key milestones.

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