On the recordSeptember 27, 1996
the cost and length of traditional litigation is increasingly leading to the settlement of claims through alternative means. Many different techniques, such as mediation, arbitration, minitrials, and partnering have been found effective in reaching expeditious and consensual resolutions to matters which would have otherwise been adjudicated through our courts. The benefits of these alternative dispute resolution techniques are equally apparent where one or more of the parties to the dispute is a governmental entity. In order to promote their use by agencies, we are today considering H.R. 4194, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996, which will reauthorize that act. In addition to providing a permanent authorization for the act, H.R. 4194 contains several provisions which will improve procedures governing alternative dispute resolution, and give parties incentives to use these techniques.
Source
govinfo.gov
