IT slate for 2002

Information technology will be near the head of the line when the 107th Congress reconvenes. Here's a look at what lawmakers will consider.

Federal budget

Fiscal 2003. President Bush sends his budget request for fiscal 2003 to Capitol Hill next month. Look for a 10 percent to 20 percent hike in IT funding.

Fiscal 2002. The 2002 emergency supplemental budget request will include substantial funds for the Office of Homeland Security and money earmarked for technology. "Fast track" for federal management reform. S. 1613 would limit Congress to an up or down vote on any piece of legislation that the president says would improve the efficiency of government.

E-government. S. 803, sponsored last year by Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.), is alive and flourishing. It includes $200 million per year for e-government initiatives.

Procurement reform Services Acquisition Reform Act. SARA includes increased support for innovative procurement practices such as share-in-savings contracting.

Government Information Security Reform Act. Reauthorization would make the law permanent and include mandatory information security standards.

Homeland security Port security. S. 1214 provides more than $3 billion in loan guarantees to help ports develop comprehensive security plans and limit access to secured port areas. Coast Guard security. H.R. 3507 includes more than $600 million for domestic maritime security.

Bioterrorism prevention. H.R. 3448 adds funds for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public health networks and increased vaccine development and production.

Aviation Security Enhancement Act of 2001. H.R. 2895 requires Federal Aviation Administration employees to perform tougher screening of passengers before flights.

Visa Integrity and Security Act of 2001. Through H.R. 3077, tamper-proof visas would be issued to noncitizens. They could include facial- and fingerprint-recognition features.