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