Tech policy could be smarter and less partisan if Congress hadn’t shut down this innovative program

Congress once had an Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), an impartial body of experts providing unbiased analysis on emerging technologies. Established in 1972, the OTA produced over 750 studies, detailing both the benefits and risks of technological advancements for lawmakers. Its bipartisan oversight ensured that its reports were accessible to members across the political spectrum. However, criticisms emerged, with some arguing the OTA's work was partisan and duplicative. A notable controversy involved the OTA's critical assessment of President Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative, which sparked significant political backlash. This criticism, amplified by figures like Senator Jesse Helms, contributed to a growing sentiment against the agency. In 1995, under Speaker Newt Gingrich, the OTA was defunded and effectively disbanded, despite objections from some within the Republican party. The closure left Congress without a dedicated source of technological expertise, a void that remains largely unfilled. While attempts have been made to revive the OTA or establish similar bodies, they have not replicated its comprehensive capabilities. The absence of the OTA has led to Congress reacting to technological issues after they arise, often influenced by industry lobbyists rather than independent analysis.