The Subcommittee will be active in the exercise of oversight in a variety of subject areas that fall within the purview of its jurisdiction. The results of this oversight activity may produce legislative initiatives that address opportunities to improve communication, coordination, and efficiency within the Federal government, and between Federal, State and Local governments.

Current and emerging technology provides potentially great benefits as well as raises legitimate concerns, all of which will be addressed by the Subcommittee. The Subcommittee will examine and closely monitor the progress of the implementation of E-Government initiatives as outlined in the President’s Management Agenda, and established as a priority by the Subcommittee in the 107th Congress. Further, the Subcommittee will aggressively pursue the progress of the Federal government’s effort to address weaknesses in security of its computer systems and particularly the protection of information and data from the threat of cyber attacks and security breaches. Additionally, the Subcommittee will utilize its oversight authority to review the Federal government’s continuing efforts to collect and analyze information in an effort to enhance homeland security and law enforcement, with the privacy expectations and personal freedom rights of the citizenry.

During these times of heightened national security, intergovernmental relations have become increasingly important. The ability of federal agencies to communicate quickly is a priority, as well as the capability to share information at the federal, state and local level in a timely and coordinated manner. Accordingly, the Subcommittee will continue to review the coordinative efforts between all levels of government, and the ability to respond to terrorist activity, disaster management and disease proliferation, just to name a few. This review will include technological and communicative capabilities of first responders, as well as border control management.

The Subcommittee will continue to review the strategic planning and management of Federal government information technology investment, including research and development. The review will include oversight of the investment strategy as it relates to the implementation of a system-wide enterprise architecture, coordinated efforts to protect computer systems from external and internal intrusion, the ability to share information across agencies, and the consolidation of redundant and duplicative activities to achieve greater efficiency, productivity, and customer oriented access to public information.

Additionally, the Subcommittee will exercise oversight of the planning for the 2010 Census, including implementation of the American Community Survey. Further, the Subcommittee will provide oversight of the Economic Census being conducted in 2003, as well as the Bureau for Economic Analysis.

Other issues that will be included in the Subcommittee work program will include the assignment and use of frequency spectrum by governmental entities and commercial business; export controls for innovative technology; the role of technology in the protection and preservation of the environment; electronic records management and the emerging role of digitalization; patent and trademark issues effected by new technology; status of the space program its technological advances; and alternative energy research. Lastly, the Subcommittee will examine federal, state, and local planning approaches for land acquisition and their impact on local services and tax bases, while identifying successful land management strategies.