House chair laments lack of funding for e-gov projects

House Government Reform Committee Chairman Tom Davis, R-Va., on Thursday expressed disappointment that the final fiscal 2003 budget bill would allot only $5 million for federal e-government projects.

A bill enacted in December 2002 set the budget ceiling for such projects at $45 million annually over the next few years. But wrangling over expenditures for fiscal 2003, which began last October, resulted in the much lower proposal for this year.

"If we are to achieve the goal of a 21st-century government that is well-run, results oriented and citizen centered," Davis, R-Va., said in a statement, "we need more funds. ... Without more money, the government won't benefit from collaborative technology projects that can make complex operations more efficient and effective, and can enhance our homeland security."

Davis added that he and other lawmakers will press for more funding in fiscal 2004.