Should the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program be Permanent? (H.R. 39)

What is H.R. 39?

(Updated April 10, 2018)

This bill was enacted on January 20, 2017

This bill would preserve the Presidential Innovation Fellows (PIF) program, which the White House established in 2012 to attract talented tech workers to various government departments.

Over the past four years, the program has produced almost 100 fellows drawn from tech companies like Google and Shutterstock, as well as media outlets like the New York Times. Many fellows have continued their work in government as chief technology officers or policy advisers in local, state and federal agencies.

In 2015, President Obama issued an executive order to make the PIF program a permanent feature in future administrations. But executive orders can be overturned by new presidents.

Argument in favor

The PIF program infuses government agencies with talented tech employees who would otherwise never consider working in the public sector.

Argument opposed

The PIF program is a burdensome expense for cash-strapped government agencies that has produced few tangible benefits for the public.

Impact

The Presidential Innovation Fellows program, the General Services Administration, the White House administration, and tech employees interested in working for government agencies.

Cost of H.R. 39

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: The TALENT Act of 2016, which was introduced by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), would establish the PFI program as a permanent feature of the General Services Administration, which currently oversees the fellowships. The bill would also create a position for a director, who would be responsible for appointing fellows, and it would retain the federal advisory board that determines the standards and priorities of the program.

Of Note: During its four years, the PIF program has produced several successful high-profile projects, including a website that compiles resources for preventing sexual assaults on college campuses and the Police Data Initiative, which uses data to improve accountability in police departments.  

But some critics have argued that the financial structure of the PIF program funnels more money into administrative costs than salaries or projects. Under its current arrangement, the GSA charges federal agencies for the use of fellows, with the majority of the fees going toward overhead costs.

Media

• Politico
• The Hill
• FCW
• FCW
• White House announcement

Summary by Eli Wolfe
(Photo Credit: By U.S. Centers for Disease Control - http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/details.asp?pid=8159, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34836133)