Secretary
Evans Sends 21st Century Innovation Act
to Congress
Legislation Seeks to Modernize the Department's
Technology and Telecommunications Policy
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans today sent legislation to Congress
to modernize the structure for the Department’s formulation
of technology and telecommunications policy. The new structure will
combine the Technology Administration (TA), the National Telecommunications
and Information Administration (NTIA), and the e-commerce policy
functions of the International Trade Administration (ITA) into one
consolidated and well-coordinated agency.
“This
Administration understands that our global marketplace has changed
and that telecom and technology operate together, not separately.
We need to adjust our thinking and adjust our structure to keep
pace with the world, our economy and innovation,” said Secretary
Evans.
The
21st Century Innovation Act of 2003 would combine TA, NTIA and the
e-commerce policy staff of ITA into one agency which would be called
the Technology and Telecommunications Administration. The change
will enable the Department to better serve the technology and telecommunications
industries through enhanced coordination in domestic and international
policy development. The Department of Commerce currently develops
and implements technology and telecommunications policy in three
bureaus: the TA, NTIA, and ITA.
“These
changes make sense -- for the Department, for industry, and for
the American people,” said Evans. “They support the
President's focus on improving management and policy coordination
across government. We look forward to working with Congress to make
this change a reality.”
The
legislation proposes the newly named agency be headed by the Under
Secretary for Technology and Telecommunications. However, the Assistant
Secretary for Communications and Information, Assistant Secretary
for Technology Policy, and the Director of the National Institute
of Standards (NIST) will maintain their leadership roles of NTIA,
OTP, and NIST, respectively. In addition, the Assistant Secretary
for Communications and Information will remain the telecommunications
advisor to the President of the United States. All four positions
must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
More
information on the legislation can be found on the Technology Administration
Web site at the following link:
http://www.technology.gov/PRel/pr071703.htm