[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 26, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PAPERWORK ELIMINATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES M. TALENT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 1997

  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Paperwork 
Elimination Act. The purpose of this legislation is to advance the use 
of alternative information technologies and, in so doing, decrease 
paperwork demands by the Federal Government. The intended beneficiaries 
of this legislation are small businesses, educational and nonprofit 
institutions, Federal contractors, State and local governments, and 
others who face a disproportionate burden in complying with Federal 
regulations. Alternative technologies suggested include electronic 
maintenance, submission, or disclosure of information. In achieving 
this purpose, the Paperwork Elimination Act hopes to assist Federal 
agencies complying with the purposes and goals of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act.
  The Paperwork Elimination Act does not intend to replace any part of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which has made great strides 
toward reducing regulatory burdens. The Paperwork Elimination Act is 
merely a supplement to the Paperwork Reduction Act, introduced with the 
intent of belatedly bringing the Federal Government into the computer 
revolution. It clarifies provisions within the law requiring agencies 
to utilize information technology by specifying that those with access 
to computers and modems should be able to use them when dealing with 
the Federal Government.
  I would like to take a moment to thank our former colleague, Peter 
Torkildsen of Massachusetts. Mr. Torkildsen introduced this legislation 
in the 104th Congress and worked tirelessly to see its passage. In 
April 1996, the legislation passed the House unanimously. The measure 
was then discharged from the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee and 
sent to the desk for action. It is unfortunate that the Senate ran out 
of time before acting on this measure. I believe this is an important 
piece of legislation for small business. I am hopeful that my 
colleagues will concur and that this bill will receive favorable 
congressional action at an early date. Thank you.

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