TPA Pushes Lawmakers to Support SAMOSA Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kara Zupkus (224)-456-0257

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) called for lawmakers to support the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets (SAMOSA) Act. Introduced by Representatives Shontel Brown (D-Ohio), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Pat Fallon (R-Tx.), and April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), the landmark legislation would require federal agencies to audit and assess their oft-wasteful software licensing practices. Earlier this year, TPA and six other limited-government groups sent a letter to Congress supporting the legislation.

In response to the House considering the bill, David Williams, President of TPA, offered the following comment:

“The urgency of this legislation could not be clearer. Recent analysis from Garland Management Consulting reveals that the federal government is the world’s largest information technology purchaser, with annual software expenditures ranging from $10 to $15 billion. This massive spending demands better oversight and management, which SAMOSA would provide through several critical reforms. With the national debt at $38 trillion and counting, it’s long past time to get the federal government’s information technology practices under control.

“SAMOSA addresses critical issues related to vendor competition by creating transparency requirements for software licensing terms and conditions. It establishes guidelines to avoid vendor lock-in situations and promotes open standards and interoperability requirements. These measures are expected to generate annual savings between $500 and $750 million through improved procurement practices and enhanced competition.

“Taxpayers deserve a better approach to software licensing and information technology than the failed status-quo. Lawmakers can vote for greater transparency, accountability, and cost savings by supporting the SAMOSA Act.”