The Daily Scoop Podcast

Episode: House passes agency software-buying bill, waits on Senate again
Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Billy Mitchell

Episode Overview

This episode centers around legislative developments affecting federal IT policy, specifically the House’s passage of the SOMOSA Act for agency software oversight—and its hold-up in the Senate. Additionally, the episode breaks news on a bipartisan Senate bill to create a national network of AI-powered cloud laboratories, spotlighting ongoing investments in federal research infrastructure.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. SOMOSA Act – Modernizing Software Purchasing in Government

Timestamp: 00:22 – 02:56

• Legislative Action:

  • The House passed the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets (SOMOSA) Act on Monday.
  • This is the second consecutive year the House has passed the bill; last year it stalled in the Senate.
  • The clock is ticking on the congressional calendar for Senate action.

• Bill Provisions:

  • Aims to streamline IT software buying, eliminate duplicate purchases, and create better oversight.
  • Agencies would be required to report IT asset data to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), General Services Administration (GSA), and Congress.

• Sponsorship:

  • Sponsored by Representatives Nancy Mace (SC), Chantel Brown (OH), Pat Fallon (TX), and April McLean Delaney (MD).
  • Brown credited her co-sponsors, along with the late Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA), for championing the cause.

• Intended Impact:

  • Streamline agency software procurement without limiting options.
  • Enhance transparency and effective management across government IT purchases.

• Notable Quote:

  • Rep. Chantel Brown, on the House floor:
    "[The SOMOSA Act] is a straightforward, good government bill that has strong bipartisan support from members of the Oversight Committee." (01:50)

2. Bipartisan Senate Bill for National Cloud Laboratories

Timestamp: 02:57 – 03:37

• New Legislation:

  • Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced a bill to create a national network of programmable cloud laboratories.
  • The initiative would be led by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

• Goals & Structure:

  • Boost cross-institutional collaboration and research efficiency using AI.
  • NSF to select up to six cloud labs based on applicants’ data integration, automation, infrastructure, and ability to support multi-user workflows.
  • NIST will set standards and report to Congress on program expansion.

• Context & Support:

  • Aligns with Trump-era AI Action Plan and existing NSF proposals.
  • NSF previously earmarked $100 million for an AI-powered cloud network in August.
  • Backed by Carnegie Mellon University, the Accelerate Science Now Coalition, and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

• Significance:

  • Would serve as a blueprint for leveraging AI and automated discovery in research.
  • Promotes bipartisan momentum on tech-driven modernization.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Persistence of the SOMOSA Act:
  “...putting the legislation in the same place it was a year ago, waiting for the Senate to follow suit as the clock ticks down on the congressional calendar.” — Billy Mitchell (00:30)

• On the Bill’s Intent:
  “[Agencies] would be required to submit IT assets to the Office of Management and Budget, the General Services Administration and Congress so better oversight could be conducted.” — Billy Mitchell (01:32)

• On Senate Cloud Labs Bill:
  “The bill, introduced last week, aligns with provisions laid out by the Trump administration’s AI Action Plan and aims to codify existing NSF proposals.” — Billy Mitchell (03:07)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:22 — House passes SOMOSA Act; legislative background and stalling in Senate.
• 01:32 — Requirements for agency oversight and involvement of OMB, GSA, and Congress.
• 01:50 — Rep. Chantel Brown’s support and tribute to Rep. Gerry Connolly.
• 02:57 — Introduction and aims of the bipartisan Senate national cloud laboratories bill.
• 03:07 — Alignment with AI policy and NSF funding context.
• 03:27 — Endorsements from academia and technology coalitions.

Summary

This episode delivers a concise, in-depth look at two critical pieces of federal technology legislation:

• The SOMOSA Act, passing the House for a second time and aiming for enhanced software buying oversight across government agencies, now awaits Senate action and continues to attract bipartisan support.
• The launch of a Senate push to establish national cloud research infrastructure, supporting next-generation research collaboration and AI integration, with strong cross-sector backing and funding momentum.

For further analysis and details, listeners are encouraged to access more news at fedscoop.com.