Peters and Hassan Applaud Announcement of First Projects Funded by American Rescue Plan to Modernize Federal Information Systems

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight, applauded the announcement from the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) Board that they will distribute an initial $311 million to federal agencies to invest in projects that would secure federal networks, safeguard the sensitive personal information they store, and save taxpayer dollars by improving the effectiveness of government systems. These are the first projects funded through the $1 billion Peters secured in the American Rescue Plan earlier this year to secure and update government computer systems, including those that are critical to our nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was proud to secure funding for these important projects that will safeguard Americans’ sensitive data and ensure that our government can provide more effective service to the American people,” said Senator Peters. “These investments are critical to not only bolstering our national security, but also rooting out government waste and saving taxpayer dollars by making sure our federal systems are more secure and efficient. I look forward to continuing my work with Senator Hassan to ensure government networks are secure, and are saving the American people money in the long run.”

“In a country that is a world leader in producing cutting-edge technology, it makes no sense that the federal government continues to use costly and outdated IT systems,” said Senator Hassan. “I am glad that federal agencies are receiving critical funding that will help improve delivery of federal services to the American people, secure federal networks, and save taxpayer dollars. As Chair of the Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight Subcommittee, I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Peters on this important issue.”

As Chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight, Hassan has continued to lead efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, reduce wasteful government spending and save taxpayer dollars by updating IT systems. She recently convened a hearing to discuss the resources that are available to help agencies modernize their outdated and costly information technology systems, as well as what Congress can do to help federal agencies replace these systems and save taxpayer dollars.

For more information on how this funding is being distributed, please click here.

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