# Congress Considers Restoring Technology Assessment

Congress is considering how to build internal expertise on artificial intelligence as lawmakers discuss potential regulatory guardrails, staff retention, and the role of technology advisers. Rep. Mark Takano plans legislation to restore the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), which would strengthen Congress’s capacity to assess technical issues. The signal describes no solicitation, award, or other procurement action, but the debate may inform future federal AI policy relevant to government buyers and contractors.

- AI contractors and procurement teams should distinguish this policy discussion from a current contracting opportunity: no requirements, funding, or procurement timeline are identified.
- Organizations supporting government AI programs can account for the possibility of future regulatory guardrails in their planning, while recognizing that the signal specifies no proposed requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 19, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Congress (Congress)
- Office of Technology Assessment (OTA)

### Sources
- [Wanted: Tech experts to help Congress regulate AI - POLITICO](https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/19/congress-ai-regulation-expertise-01123525) - Politico