House Subcommittee Approves Bill to Modernize CRS Data Access

The House Administration Modernization Subcommittee recently approved the ‘Modernizing the Congressional Research Service’s (CRS) Access to Data Act’.

The subcommittee, composed of four members, recommended the bill for approval by the full committee for additional review.

“These measures will help streamline processes and improve the way the Congressional Research Service works on behalf of Congress. By prioritizing a more efficient Congress, we’re saving taxpayer dollars,” subcommittee chair Rep. Stephanie Bice said.

This legislation aims to formalize the CRS's capacity to access data from Federal agencies, thereby expediting its access to crucial information and resulting in cost savings.

“In order to provide timely and accurate research and analysis to Congress, CRS needs quick and reliable access to data. While CRS’s work is held up by bureaucratic processes and procedures, our work is held up. That is unacceptable, and our constituents deserve better,” Bice added.

Last month, it was reported that CRS is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence. Robert Newlen, the interim director of the Congressional Research Service revealed that the agency is investigating the utilization of artificial intelligence for summarizing legislation. 

This initiative holds promise in potentially reducing the agency’s backlog. Newlen admitted to the significant backlog of bill summaries and analyses for Congress.gov within the agency and emphasized that CRS sees potential in AI to address this issue. 

However, Newlen also highlighted that they are proceeding cautiously with the utilization of these tools.