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Chairman Steil's full opening statement as prepared for delivery:
Thank you, Ranking Member Morelle, Members of the Committee, and our witness for participating in today’s hearing.
This is the first full committee oversight hearing for GPO since 2020.
Our purpose here today is twofold.
First, to examine the current work of GPO, including successful initiatives and ongoing challenges.
Second, to discuss how the agency is adapting to the “digital-first era,” and evaluate what statutory reforms may be necessary.
Over its 165 years, the Government Publishing Office has effectively delivered on its mission to provide trusted information from the federal government to the American people.
Its vision is “America informed.”
When it first opened its doors, coincidentally the same day President Lincoln was inaugurated in 1861, GPO was directed to carry out printing authorized by Congress, federal agencies, and the courts.
Today, their role is broader.
Today, the 1,600 employees at GPO operate distribution centers nationwide to fulfill the publishing needs of every branch of government.
One great example is the passport book, which GPO has produced for the State Department for 100 years.
It also produces credentials for agencies and products used for presidential inaugurations and the State of the Union address.
As the agency plans to use the latest technologies, we’ll explore how GPO is adapting its business operations to meet customer needs.
Another example of GPO’s expanded mission is the Federal Depository Library Program.
Formally established by Congress in 1962, this program provides nationwide public access to government information by sharing published resources with a web of libraries across the country.
On top of that, in recent decades GPO has transformed its digital operations to continue meeting the people where they are.
One notable example is the website GovInfo, which GPO maintains to provide permanent public access to government information online.
At the start of this year, GPO announced they’d surpassed 15 billion retrievals of government information through GovInfo.gov.
Finally, as a Legislative Branch agency, GPO also ensures lawmakers can effectively do their job of representing the American people.
Some of their services to Congress include printing and publishing committee reports, reviewing and editing legislative text prior to online publication, and daily publication of the Congressional Record, which documents the proceedings and debates of this body for history.
While GPO has effectively performed and adapted to needs over its 165-year history, changes are undoubtedly necessary to keep pace with the private sector, to ensure we meet the evolving needs of our government, and to continue serving the American people.
In today’s digital-first era, the work of the GPO has become more critical than ever - both for the institution, and for government as a whole.
Thank you for being here today and I look forward to hearing your testimony, Director Halpern.
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