The House unanimously approved bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX) on Wednesday to enable government employees to use ride-sharing apps, bike share programs and other modern transportation options for official travel.
The Modernizing Government Travel (MGT) Act, which Hurd reintroduced with U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), aims to bring government travel into the 21st century.
“The option to summon a ride via smartphone gives millions of federal employees’ greater flexibility, saves taxpayer dollars and allows federal agencies to catch up with the private sector,” Hurd, the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on IT, said. “If we want a 21st Century government, innovation is key.”
House passage of the legislation won praise from the consumer technology industry.
“Sharing economy platforms – such as bikesharing and ridesharing – boost the U.S. economy, create new job opportunities, save money for consumers and provide safe transportation options,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association. “Providing federal government employees access to the benefits of these services will support a growing part of our nation’s economy while saving taxpayers money,” he added.