Bush signs e-government bill into law

Industry groups and congressional leaders on Tuesday hailed President Bush for signing into law a measure to bolster online government services.

The law makes permanent an e-government office within the White House Office of Management and Budget and authorizes $345 million over four years to fund interagency technology initiatives. It also enhances privacy protection by requiring agencies to assess the privacy impact of new government technology systems.

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., said in a statement, "The president's signing of this bill today brings the federal government fully into the electronic age, giving taxpayers the same round-the-clock access to government that they have come to expect from the private sector."

Microsoft and the Center for Democracy and Technology also praised the legislation for empowering more citizens to participate in democracy.