Remote work remains a reality for many government employees as the pandemic persists, steadily underscoring the urgency of agencies’ needs for reliable, up-to-date digital technologies, according to Rep. Ro Khanna.
“Federal [information technology] modernization is now more important than ever,” the California Democrat told Nextgov via email Monday.
Khanna represents Silicon Valley and has pushed for government-centered, tech-driven improvements during his Congressional tenure. He shared a brief glimpse into the ongoing implementation of one piece of previously passed, agency IT-enhancing legislation—and a look into some relevant priorities on his agenda this year.
“Digital signatures, electronic forms, and modernized websites are a crucial part” of the upgraded services and options necessary to meet many government entities’ modern needs, Khanna noted. As a member of the House Oversight and Reform Committee’s Government Operations Subcommittee, he said he intends to work with other policymakers “to ensure we are properly funding our agencies to fully digitize.”
Moves to promote more digital improvements within agencies would come as the Congressman is also working to help carry out the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act, which he introduced with a number of cosponsors in 2018. Passed at the end of that year, the law ultimately aims to boost the user-friendliness of .gov websites and help guarantee a more seamless and secure delivery of digital public services.
Khanna said officials are still waiting on remote mitigation modernization funding lawmaker
