Ratcliffe bill to cut costs by modernizing government processes heads to president

U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) this week praised the Senate passage of a bipartisan bill he championed that would significantly lower costs for the federal government by creating a better digital experience for customers when utilizing federal agency websites.

The bill, the 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act, or 21st Century IDEA, H.R. 5759, would digitize federal government processes with the aim of moving away from paper-based forms and in-person transactions, according to a summary of the measure.

“The federal government is supposed to be in the business of serving the American people – and we’ve got major room for improvement when it comes to the services we provide online,” Reps. Ratcliffe and Khanna said in a joint statement. “The 21st Century IDEA will help bring us up to speed with the vast majority of the private sector by allowing us to meet the public’s needs with a few simple clicks online rather than drawn out phone calls or in-person visits with agency representatives.”

Rep. Ratcliffe introduced the bipartisan legislation with U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) in May, which the U.S. House unanimously approved in November. U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced the companion bill, S. 3050, in June.

On Dec. 11 the Senate passed the measure by unanimous consent and sent it to President Donald Trump two days later to be signed into law.

“We’ve been grateful for the strong bipartisan support this legislation has received from our House and Senate colleagues, and we’re looking forward to its swift signature into law,” the congressmen said.

The bill would establish minimum standards for federal websites and support the increased use of mobile devices in compliance with the latest security requirements. A summary of H.R. 5759 provided by the lawmakers’ staff said federal government agencies would be required to consolidate and personalize web content, make their website information searchable, increase the use of data analytics, and ensure individuals with disabilities can access information.

According to data provided by the IRS, in-person or live assistance calls to the agency cost taxpayers between $40 and $60 on average, while digital transactions cost only 22 cents on average.

The digital improvements are expected to result in a more user-friendly online experience while improving efficiencies and lowering costs of federal government operations.