112 STAT. 2681-749 PUBLIC LAW 105-277—OCT. 21, 1998 in the Armed Forces in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War, whether such association arises as a result of single, repeated, or sustained exposure and whether such association arises through exposure singularly or in combination. (2) The term "designated congressional committees" means the following: (A) The Committees on Veterans' Affairs and Armed Services of the Senate. (B) The Committees on Veterans' Affairs and National Security of the House of Representatives. (3) The term "Persian Gulf War" has the meaning given that term in section 101(33) of title 38, United States Code. Government TITLE XVII—GOVERNMENT PAPERWORK ELIMINATION ACT Paperwork Elimination Act. SEC. 1701. SHORT TITLE. 44 USC 3504 note. This title may be cited as the "Government Paperwork Elimination Act". SEC. 1702. AUTHORITY OF OMB TO PROVTOE FOR ACQUISITION AND USE OF ALTERNATIVE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES BY EXECUTIVE AGENCIES. Section 3504(a)(l)(B)(vi) of title 44, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: "(vi) the acquisition and use of information technology, including alternative information technologies that provide for electronic submission, maintenance, or disclosure of information as a substitute for paper and for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures.". SEC. 1703. PROCEDURES FOR USE AND ACCEPTANCE OF ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES BY EXECUTTVE AGENCIES. {a) IN GENERAL.—In order to fulfill the responsibility to administer the functions assigned under chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, the provisions of the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996 (divir sions D and E of Public Law 104-106) and the amendments made by that Act, and the provisions of this title, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall, in consultation with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, develop procedures for the use and acceptance of electronic signatures by Executive agencies. (b) REQUIREMENTS FOR PROCEDURES.—(1) The procedures developed under subsection (a)— (A) shall be compatible with standards and technology for electronic signatures that are generally used in commerce and industry and by State governments; (B) may not inappropriately favor one industry or technology; (C) shall ensure that electronic signatures are as reliable as is appropriate for the purpose in question and keep intact the information submitted; (D) shall provide for the electronic acknowledgment of electronic forms that are successfully submitted; and (E) shall, to the extent feasible and appropriate, require an Executive agency that anticipates receipt by electronic
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