Opinion: House Republicans Have the Opportunity to Make the 119th Congress the Most Modern and Pro-Family in Recent History
By modernizing its voting procedures to include a proxy voting option when it adopts new Rules, the House of Representatives would ensure near-universal participation and better prepare Congress to respond to future emergencies, whether they be individual or national in scope.
What’s happening with AI in constituent engagement?
Outdated communication systems and limited office adoption have minimized GenAI's impact on constituent engagement, but there remains a need to rethink and modernize how constituents and lawmakers interact.
Recommendations to the 119th Congress on Creating a Strong, Responsive Legislative Branch
Recommendations to help Congress address the “pacing problem,” invest in its workforce, enhance constituent services, foster bipartisanship, and strengthen House operations for a more effective and responsive Legislative branch.
Report: Where Will They All Sit?
A new report from POPVOX Foundation and Protect Democracy explores the idea of expanding not only the US Capitol campus’ physical footprint, but also the chamber’s membership.
Comparing AI Adoption in the US Congress to Legislatures Worldwide
Despite initial momentum, the US Congress risks lagging international counterparts in the adoption of automated technologies. To improve its own operations and keep pace with international counterparts, Congress should work collaboratively to develop a cohesive AI strategy, provide dedicated resources for staff and Member training, remove barriers to the use of commercial and open source tools, and engage more actively in global knowledge-sharing.
Nonpartisan POPVOX Foundation Launches “Gavel In” Podcast to Support the Orientation of Members Elect and Their Staff
POPVOX Foundation is announcing “Gavel In,” a limited-run, explainer podcast series about how Congress works, created especially for freshmen Members of the 119th Congress, their staff, and spouses. Gavel In supplements the House’s official New Member Orientation onboarding so new Members and staff are extra set up for success as they set up their new offices on Capitol Hill and in their districts.
POPVOX Foundation Leads Coalition Calling for the Reauthorization of the Committee on House Administration Subcommittee on Modernization
POPVOX Foundation led a crosspartisan coalition of civil society organizations in calling for the continuation of the Subcommittee on Modernization into the 119th Congress and beyond.
POPVOX Foundation hosts webinar on agency responsiveness to Congress
One of the hardest things about getting up to speed as a new caseworker is learning the different contacts and practices for each individual agency in responding to casework requests.
The Diplomat: China’s ‘Gifts’ of Parliament Buildings in Africa Are a Wake-Up Call for Digital Sovereignty
Over the past two decades, Beijing has financed and built at least 15 parliament buildings in African nations. These projects carry hidden costs that extend far beyond their initial construction.
Updated: Where the House and Senate Are on Internal AI
While debates continue across Capitol Hill on approaches to regulation of artificial intelligence, institutional offices within the House of Representatives are taking steps to prepare for the impending paradigm shift.
POPVOX Foundation welcomes Kaitlin Sommer
POPVOX Foundation welcomes new intern Kaitlin Sommer. Kaitlin is a second-year student at Syracuse Law.
POPVOX Foundation welcomes Alero Simon
POPVOX Foundation welcomes new intern Alero Simon. Alero a Master of Public Policy candidate at the University of Chicago.
POPVOX Foundation Applauds Passage of Legislation to Improve Government Modernization and Accountability
The passage of H.R. 7592 and H.R. 7593 will bolster the Legislative branch by providing Congress and its support agencies with streamlined, essential data for their operations while also providing cost savings to the American people.
It’s Time to Bring Evidence-Based Policymaking to Congress
A culture of evidence-based policymaking could help rebuild public trust in Congress, increase accountability, and promote transparency, ultimately strengthening the relationship between Congress and the public at large.
POPVOX Foundation Statement on Appointment of Karen E. Donfried as CRS Director
POPVOX Foundation extends our warmest congratulations to Karen E. Donfried on her appointment as the new Director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
Sunsetting the First Branch Intern Project
After a four-year run, the First Branch Intern Project is sunsetting now after successfully incubating initiatives to grow Congressional capacity and create new pathways to public service.
The Washington Times: Supreme Court’s overturning of Chevron doctrine spurs push for changes to how Congress works
POPVOX Foundation is pushing the House to adopt rule changes that will improve its capacity to enact new laws and conduct oversight of existing ones as it grapples with a Supreme Court's Loper Bright decision that will put greater demands on the Legislative branch.
The Fulcrum (Op-Ed): Congress must get serious about its capacity or cede power to courts
By overturning the Chevron doctrine, the Supreme Court put the onus on an under-resourced legislative branch to be much more clear in writing laws. If Congress fails to exercise its lawmaking power, it will cede power to the judiciary.
POPVOX Foundation Encourages the House to Create a Chief Data Officer, A Joint Committee on Continuity, and Simpler House Schedule When Adopting Rules for the 119th Congress
POPVOX Foundation’s report provides several proposals that emphasize technological and operational advancements for House lawmakers to consider to help redefine the House’s capabilities to serve constituents and fulfill its Article One mandate.
Staying Safe as A Congressional Staffer – Best Practices
For the district work period, POPVOX Foundation has compiled some best practices informed by current Congressional staff to ensure the safety and security of Congressional teams.