POPVOX Foundation Team Submits Public Witness Testimony for FY 2027 Legislative Branch Appropriations
POPVOX Foundation lays out practical FY2027 funding ideas to help Congress work smarter — boosting AI capacity, strengthening casework support, improving Member security, and modernizing operations. The proposals focus on faster tech adoption, better coordination with agencies, and stronger internal support systems so offices can serve constituents more effectively in a rapidly changing landscape.
What’s happening with AI and why should I care?
Congressional staff face a rapidly evolving AI landscape. This overview breaks down the Senate’s approval of tools like Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT Enterprise, explains emerging concepts such as agentic AI, and examines how AI is shaping campaigns, workflows, and constituent services.
POPVOX Foundation Appropriations Requests: A Focus on Future-Proofing, Constituent Services, Security, and the Member Experience
POPVOX Foundation submitted fiscal year 2027 appropriations requests to House Appropriations Committee Members focused on modernizing Congress and strengthening its capacity to serve constituents. Key proposals include responsible AI adoption, improved casework coordination, continued modernization funding, enhanced security training, and better support for Members, staff, and Congressional families.
Updated: Where the House and Senate Are on Internal Use of AI
A detailed overview of how the US House of Representatives and Senate are governing internal use of artificial intelligence, including a summary of current AI policies, approved tools, and key limitations on staff use.
The Call to Create the Congressional Capacity and Technology Office
As AI rapidly reshapes governance, Congress risks falling behind the institutions it oversees. POPVOX Foundation proposes creating the Congressional Capacity and Technology Office (C-TECH) to provide dedicated training, change management, and strategic tech support — strengthening Congress’s ability to oversee emerging technology effectively.
If I Can Use AI at Work, You Can Too
A firsthand look at using AI in everyday Congressional work (without coding or technical expertise!) including practical examples, safety considerations, and why responsible AI adoption can help staff work smarter and keep pace with rapid change.
The Year of "and Innovation": What the House Modernization Report Reveals About Congress' Next Phase
An analysis of the House Subcommittee on Modernization and Innovation’s 2025 year-end report and what it signals about Congress’s next phase. The report highlights a shift toward transparency, realistic goal-setting, and new initiatives — from AI adoption to procurement reform — that will shape whether Congress can keep pace with technology and public expectations.
Simply Having a Wonderful Congress-time
Wrapping up 2025 on Capitol Hill by highlighting a year of Congressional modernization, AI shaping the future of legislatures, new constituent service tools, and leadership transitions. Plus, holiday cheer, campus updates, and a look ahead to 2026’s big tech initiatives like the White House Genesis Mission and agentic AI at federal agencies.
Public Witness Testimony on Modernizing Constituent Engagement Through Emerging Technology
On December 17, 2025, POPVOX Foundation Director of Global Initiatives Aubrey Wilson submitted testimony to the Committee on House Administration’s Subcommittee on Modernization and Innovation on how emerging technologies — particularly AI — are reshaping constituent engagement in legislatures around the world and what lessons the US House can draw from these efforts.
Congress in 2040?
A global summit on “AI for Parliaments” offered a glimpse of how legislatures might operate in 2040 — and why Congress risks slipping behind as peers race ahead. From international models of AI-enabled lawmaking and upcoming oversight deadlines to leadership transitions and new directives in House rules and appropriations, the latest Future-Proofing Congress breaks down what US lawmakers need to know to stay competitive in an accelerating tech era.
The Path Forward: Continuing the CAO's Legacy of Leadership
As Catherine Szpindor retires after reshaping the House’s modern infrastructure, Congress enters a high-stakes era where AI, post-Chevron demands, and decades of capacity loss make the next CAO appointment a generational decision for how effectively the institution can serve the American people.
The Future Won’t Slow Down, But Congress Can Get Ready
A special Thanksgiving edition of Future-Proofing Congress breaks down three frontier AI releases, the new federal “Genesis Mission,” and fast-moving tech trends reshaping policymaking — and offers practical ways staff can stay ahead.
Giving Thanks and Celebrating Wins
A look at bipartisan wins, new modernization funding, and fresh resources for Congressional staff as CapitolStrong relaunches after the shutdown — plus a December 3 thank-you event and updates on AI, casework tools, and federal workforce insights.
POPVOX Foundation Priorities to Address the Pacing Problem and Enhance Constituent Engagement Signed Into Law
On November 12, 2025, several legislative priorities shared by POPVOX Foundation to strengthen the Legislative branch were signed into law as part of the bipartisan funding package to reopen the government.
The Spookiest Season of All
From managing casework and using AI wisely to boosting staff morale this spooky season, the latest Future-Proofing Congress features tips for staying effective during the government shutdown. Plus, insights on House Digital Services’ Case Compass, global AI trends, and upcoming Hill events.
Top 5 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid as a Legislative Staffer Using a GenAI LLM
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can be powerful assistants for Congressional and Parliamentary staff — but only if used correctly. This guide breaks down five common mistakes legislative professionals make when using AI for research, drafting, and casework, and offers practical tips for getting accurate, useful results while maintaining sound judgment and oversight.
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
This month’s Future-Proofing Congress dives into staff safety, burnout, AI innovation, and small wins that keep the Hill moving forward.
Innovation in Action: Highlights from the 2025 Congressional Hackathon
The 2025 Congressional Hackathon brought Members of Congress, staff, technologists, and students together at the US Capitol for a day of collaboration, big announcements, and inspiring solutions from the next generation of innovators working to modernize Congress.
POPVOX Foundation Celebrates Launch of House Digital Services Unified Casework Data Schema
POPVOX Foundation commends the House of Representatives on its release of a unified data schema for Congressional casework tracking and analysis. This groundbreaking work will transform how Congress learns from constituent experiences and identifies systemic challenges in federal agency operations.
5th Circuit Clears the Path for Congressional Emergency Planning
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has clarified that Congress’ quorum requirement does not demand physical presence, upholding proxy voting and affirming Congress’ constitutional flexibility to operate during emergencies. The decision paves the way for stronger continuity planning and modern remote participation systems to ensure legislative function in future crises.