Analyst Brief September 14, 2026

H.R. 9342 — GPO Modernization Act of 2026, as amended

Current Status

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute

Executive Summary

The GPO Modernization Act of 2026 updates the statutory framework governing the Government Publishing Office (GPO) to reflect the realities of the digital age. It transitions the agency away from legacy print-centric mandates by establishing a digital National Collection of U.S. Public Information, allowing digital-only depository libraries, and shifting the Constitution Annotated to a digital-only format. Furthermore, it modernizes GPO operations by renaming its oversight committee to the Joint Committee on Publishing, updating acquisition thresholds, and ensuring continuity of operations for the Federal Register.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI)

Bill Number

H.R. 9342

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

None
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Cost Savings and Efficiency: Modernizes an antiquated agency, saving taxpayer dollars by reducing unnecessary physical printing mandates (e.g., hardbound Constitution Annotated).
  • Library Relief: Adapts the Federal Depository Library Program to modern digital realities, helping local libraries save physical shelf space while maintaining robust public access to government documents.

Likely Supporters

American Library Association (ALA)Government transparency and open data advocatesTaxpayer watchdog groups

Arguments Against

  • Archival Concerns: Potential pushback from traditionalists or archivists regarding the loss of physical hardbound copies for long-term historical preservation.
  • Cybersecurity and IT Costs: Shifting to a heavily digital 'National Collection' requires sustained IT infrastructure funding and robust cybersecurity measures to prevent data loss or tampering.

Likely Opponents

Commercial printing industry lobbyists

📋 Key Provisions

  • Establishes the 'National Collection of United States Public Information' to guarantee free, permanent public access to government information.
  • Allows the Superintendent of Documents to designate digital-only depository libraries.
  • Redesignates the Joint Committee on Printing as the Joint Committee on Publishing.
  • Raises the simplified acquisition threshold for the GPO from $100,000 to $350,000.
  • Transitions the Constitution Annotated and its supplements from hardbound to digital-only formats starting after the October 2026 Supreme Court term.
  • Authorizes the GPO to accept and utilize gifts and bequests of property for the purpose of aiding its work.
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Claim Analysis Page 11, Line 7

Allows designation of digital-only depository libraries.

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"ignate libraries to be digital-only depository libraries"

Claim Analysis Page 23, Line 23

Renames the Joint Committee on Printing to the Joint Committee on Publishing.

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"redesignated the Joint Committee on Publishing."

Claim Analysis Page 36, Line 4

Raises the simplified acquisition threshold to $350,000.

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"and inserting ''$350,000''."

Claim Analysis Page 40, Line 8

Shifts the Constitution Annotated to a digital-only format.

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"exclusively in a digital format available"