[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 45 (Tuesday, April 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E532-E533]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE FEDERAL WORKFORCE DIGITAL ACCESS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 11, 2000

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, today I have introduced the Federal 
Workforce Digital Access Act. A section-by-section analysis follows:

       Section 1 provides that the title of this legislation is 
     the ``Federal Workforce Digital Access Act.''
       Section 2 amends title 5, United States Code, to include 
     digital access, for the purpose of residential use, a 
     computer and Internet service as a benefit option for 
     employees in the executive, legislative, and judicial 
     branches of Government.
       Provides that a permanent employee who completes a 
     probationary period, or who has been employed not less than 1 
     year, will be eligible to receive a computer and Internet 
     service at home at no charge. The employee has the option of 
     declining the digital access package or choosing Internet 
     service only.
       In order to promote greater technological proficiency 
     within the Government's workforce, the General Services 
     Administration (GSA) and the Office of Personnel Management 
     (OPM) shall, in addition to duties and responsibilities 
     assigned to each of them by the President, establish and 
     operate the digital access benefit program.
       The digital access benefit must allow the employee to 
     perform office automation and e-learning functions. Internet-
     based and on-site training in the use of the computers and 
     software applications, shall be included in the package. 
     Upgrades to the digital access benefit will be made at the 
     employee's request and expense.
       Section 2 also provides that residential Internet service 
     must link the employee to Government sites and resources, and 
     support communication between Government agencies and the 
     employee.
       GSA may contract with any qualified person to carry out 
     this section. The contracts shall include: the time and 
     manner in which ownership of the digital access package shall 
     be transferred to the employee; options for the technological 
     refreshment of the benefit package; restrictions on 
     commercial advertising to subsidize benefits; measures to 
     prevent unauthorized tracking of computer use and to protect 
     the user's privacy; measures to prevent unauthorized sale or 
     release of names or other identifying information; options 
     for the renewal or extension of benefits; provisions to make 
     benefits accessible to persons with disabilities, such as 
     appropriate modifications or accessories; measures to permit 
     the donation of used equipment to schools or community-based 
     organizations; and measures to terminate, when the employee 
     leaves the government, access to Government databases, sites, 
     and other functions not extended to non-employees.
       OPM shall establish guidelines and specifications for the 
     program. OPM shall also: provide technical assistance to GSA 
     or any other agency, on Internet-based training for 
     employees, communication of information to and from 
     employees, procedures for election of benefits, and general 
     oversight and coordination functions to ensure the efficient 
     delivery of the program.
       Under this section, OPM shall establish provisions for any 
     employee abroad to whom it may be impracticable to provide 
     this benefit; and in the case of an employee who has 
     previously received or declines benefits, how that employee 
     will be eligible for benefits based on subsequent employment.
       The GSA and OPM shall consult with each other to execute 
     their duties and responsibilities under this section. Each 
     employing agency shall keep records and furnish information 
     to GSA and OPM to carry out their duties and 
     responsibilities.
       Such sums as may be necessary will be appropriated annually 
     to each agency, including OPM and GSA, both as employing and 
     administering agencies, to carry out this Act. The costs 
     associated with furnishing this benefit will be payable by 
     the employee's employing agency to GSA as specified by 
     applicable requirements.
       The amounts paid by the agency shall be deposited in the 
     Treasury of the United States to the credit of the Employees' 
     Digital Access Fund. The fund is available for all payments 
     to persons providing goods and services under this section, 
     and to pay the respective administrative expenses of GSA and 
     OPM within the annual limitations specified by Congress.
       Section 3 amends chapter 79 of title 5 to state that the 
     Office of Management and Budget (OMB) shall submit to the 
     President and Congress a report on the operation of the 
     program based on the first 3 years of its operation. The 
     report shall address the following aspects of this program: 
     any cost savings, efficiencies, improved individual or 
     collective organizational performance; increased 
     productivity; greater work flexibilities; enhancement of 
     Government recruitment and retention efforts; reduced 
     printing and mailing costs, improved communications with 
     respect to individuals in rural or remote locations; new 
     Internet-based training opportunities; best practices of 
     particular agencies; the extent that family members utilize 
     the computer; and the extent to which it helps to bridge the 
     digital divide. Each agency shall submit to OMB such 
     information as the Office requires to prepare for the report.
       Section 4 provides that any contract under this Act shall 
     be subject to such amounts provided for in advance in 
     appropriations Acts.
       Section 5 provides that the benefits provided under this 
     Act will be furnished to those employees who made elections 
     during the 48 month period beginning 1 year after the 
     legislation is in enacted.


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