H.R. 2546 – FCC CIO Parity Act

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 15, 2026 at 3:36 PM UTC

The FCC CIO Parity Act would give the Federal Communications Commission’s Chief Information Officer a major role in the agency’s information‑technology decisions. It requires the CIO to be involved in planning, budgeting, management, oversight, and hiring for IT functions, and to approve how IT funds are allocated. The changes affect how the FCC handles its IT resources and budgeting processes.

Key Provisions

Mandates that the FCC’s CIO participates in annual and multi‑year IT planning, programming, budgeting, execution, and related reporting.
Requires the CIO to be involved in the management, governance, and oversight of the FCC’s information‑technology activities.
Gives the CIO authority, in consultation with the CFO and budget officials, to specify and approve the allocation of appropriated IT funds, following appropriations laws and OMB guidance.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions

HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Communications and Technology Subcommittee

May 19, 2017

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

May 18, 2017

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Energy and Commerce Committee

May 18, 2017

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Communications and Technology Subcommittee

May 19, 2017

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued May 18, 2017

I

115th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 2546

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 18, 2017

Mrs. Mimi Walters of California introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL

To ensure the Chief Information Office of the Federal Communications Commission has a significant role in decisions related to information technology, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the FCC CIO Parity Act .

2.

CIO authority

(a)

In general

The Federal Communications Commission shall ensure that the Chief Information Officer of the Commission has a significant role in—

(1)

the decision-making process for annual and multi-year planning, programming, budgeting, and execution decisions, related reporting requirements, and reports related to information technology;

(2)

the management, governance, and oversight processes related to information technology; and

(3)

the hiring of personnel with information technology responsibilities.

(b)

CIO approval

The Chief Information Officer of the Commission, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer of the Commission and budget officials, shall specify and approve the allocation of amounts appropriated to the Commission for information technology, consistent with the provisions of appropriations Acts, budget guidelines, and recommendations from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.