Ranking Member Morelle Leads Dems During Hearing on Government Publishing Office
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25), the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, led Committee Democrats in oversight of the Government Publishing Office, focused primarily on identifying ways to modernize the agency for the digital age.
Ranking Member Morelle highlighted in his opening remarks the importance of GPO and why its mission is so critical to the function of the legislative branch and the federal government as a whole.
“While GPO continues to produce essential printed materials like the Congressional Record, Federal Register, and U.S. passports, it now also provides e-books, digital publishing services, mobile access, and more,” said Ranking Member Morelle. “These innovations have lowered costs, increased efficiency, and strengthened public access to government information—all saving taxpayers money while enhancing transparency and accountability.”
During his line of questioning, the Ranking Member asked Director Halpern what legislative changes or priorities would help the office and their workload. Director Halpern gave the example of adding the word “publishing” in statue, as it relates to the office’s role, to vastly expand the services they could provide.
Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), asked about how well prepared the GPO is to handle a surge in the number of U.S. passports, if one occurs. Rep. Torres also asked Director Halpern about modernization efforts to ensure the GPO has what it needs to carry out their mission.
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The Committee on House Administration’s jurisdiction includes federal elections, House operations, Capitol Complex security, the Smithsonian Institution, and Legislative Branch agencies such as the Library of Congress and Government Publishing Office.