Technology Assessment in Congress: History and Legislative Options

Publication Date: May 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Science and technology

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Abstract:

Congress created the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) in 1972, P.L. 92484, and terminated its funding in 1995. The pros and cons of reviving OTA or recreating a similar body have been examined. Since 2002, at congressional direction, the Government Accountability Office (GAO, formerly the General Accounting Office) conducted two pilot technology assessments and is completing two others. Legislation was proposed during the 108th Congress to restore OTA's funding (H.R. 125); create an entity to conduct assessments for Congress (H.R. 6 as passed in the Senate); conduct technology assessments in GAO (report language on H.R. 2657, H.R. 4755, and S. 2666); and create a technology assessment capability in GAO (S. 2556) or under its direction (H.R. 4670). Policy issues under discussion include the need for assessments, funding, the utility of GAO's technology assessment-related reports, and options for institutional arrangements. This report will be updated as needed.