Comments on H.R. 6410

The most important benefit from H.R. 6410, a paperwork reduction bill, will be improvements in Federal information management. GAO believes that effective implementation of the bill will provide the basis for long-term improvements. It provides, for the first time, the statutory authority, the responsibility, and the fixed accountability for Government-wide information management in the Office of Management and Budget. Some of the specific benefits in terms of management improvements should include: a single point for Federal information management policy and oversight; an end to fragmented responsibility for controlling Federal paperwork burdens on the public; visible and accountable officials for information management; uniformity and consistency in policies for acquisition and management of advanced information technology; much needed visibility, authority, and accountability for statistical policy coordination and records management; and development and implementation of a long-needed Federal information locator system.