Surplus Property: Improving Donation and Sales Programs

On Wednesday, February 13, 2007, the Subcommittee held a hearing in 2247 Rayburn to review how federal surplus property is handled. The hearing focused on programs and legislation to donate unused computer equipment to schools and community organizations.

This hearing received testimony on proposals to make federal surplus personal property more widely available by easing the transfer process and more broadly promoting its availability.

The hearing reviewed GSA rulemaking on surplus property transfer programs and H.R. 752, the Federal Electronic Equipment Donation Act of 2007. This bill, sponsored by Rep. G.K. Butterfield, would direct the GSA to give highest preference to schools, local governments, and other qualifying recipients located in Enterprise Communities and Empowerment Zones when transferring surplus computers and related equipment.

Witnesses include:

Ms. Becky Rhodes, Deputy Associate Administrator, General Services Administration

Ms. Estelle Sanders, Mayor, Town of Roper, North Carolina

Mr. Shane Bailey, President, National Association of State Agencies for Surplus Property

Mr. John Rosenthall, President, Small Towns Alliance

Mr. Thomas Williams, President, National Auctioneers Association