Statecraft
How to Modernize Congress
Aug 15, 2024
Matt Lira, a seasoned insider on Capitol Hill and in the White House, dives into Congress's struggle with technology. He discusses why the institution is slow to embrace new tools that could streamline operations. Hear about a pioneering Congressman who introduced live-streaming for hearings and ponder if a Google Docs-style comment system could revolutionize legislation. Lira even imagines Davy Crockett's social media vibe, highlighting the need for Congress to modernize its engagement and communication strategies.
41:54
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Quick takeaways
- Congress faces challenges in adapting to new technologies due to its size, leading to inconsistent digital competency among members.
- Optimizing congressional operations through advanced technologies can significantly enhance constituent engagement and improve legislative processes.
Deep dives
Assessing Congress's Digital Competency
Congress is improving in its digital competency, particularly in how it operates and engages with constituents. However, there remains a significant gap between technological advancements in everyday life and Congress's capability to leverage these tools effectively. This disconnect hampers substantive citizen engagement in legislative processes while making it difficult for legislators to communicate their achievements. The progress that does occur often goes unrecognized by constituents, creating an environment where disconnection persists despite improvements.
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