Keeping the TX, NM, and CA delegations in our thoughts
We’re keeping the TX, NM, and CA delegations in our thoughts amid disasters, sharing updates on caseworker resources and our upcoming break, and asking for your feedback on this newsletter. Plus: a new webinar on consumer casework and key agency updates.
POPVOX Foundation Key Priorities Included in FY26 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill
The FY 2026 House Legislative Branch Appropriations bill includes key report language backed by POPVOX Foundation, advancing Congressional modernization and support for caseworkers. Wins include expanding the CRS liaison directory, continued development of the Case Compass project, improved data mapping, and institutional training on AI.
Caseworkers and Field Reps Take DC
The latest Casework Navigator newsletter includes a recap of our Closing the Feedback Loop Through Casework event, a casework-related hearings roundup, and a ton of casework news and agency updates (especially ICE).
The Hill: A year after Loper Bright, Congress has failed to step up (Op-Ed)
One year after the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision ended judicial deference to federal agencies, Congress has yet to step up to its constitutional responsibilities. Instead of investing in the expertise and infrastructure needed to legislate effectively, Congress is defunding the very institutions that support it—at a time when precision lawmaking and AI-era governance demand more, not less.
Six institutional wins to mark six months of the 119th Congress
We mark six months of the 119th Congress with six overlooked institutional wins—from expanded staff benefits to GenAI pilots and infrastructure upgrades. This edition highlights how small, intentional improvements are modernizing legislative operations and building a more resilient Congress.
The Case for Casework
Casework strengthens Congressional oversight, builds constituent trust, and supports a more resilient institution. POPVOX Foundation Deputy Director Anne Meeker, a former caseworker, outlines strategies to support caseworkers, modernize tools, and turn constituent insights into actionable policy.
New On-Demand Training, "GenAI in a Parliamentary Setting: Enhancing Productivity for Elected Officials"
"GenAI in a Parliamentary Setting: Enhancing Productivity for Elected Officials" is an introductory training video designed specifically for Members of Parliament who want to understand how commercially available Large Language Models (LLMs) can enhance their work serving constituents.
Introducing "Claude for Legislatures," A New Training Resource for Legislative Staff
"Claude for Legislatures" is a 101-style, on-demand training video designed specifically for legislative and parliamentary staff who want to explore how Anthropic's commercially available large language model (LLM) Claude can enhance their work.
New Training for Reporters on How to Use AI to Boost Congressional Coverage
POPVOX Foundation has released a training video that brings Congressional reporters up to speed on how Capitol Hill uses AI and how journalists can leverage these same tools to enhance their reporting.
Beta Takeaways: Key Lessons on StaffLinkBot.org
First-week observations and next steps for StaffLink, our publicly available, AI-powered chatbot designed with newly hired Hill staff and interns in mind.
Tech That Works: Exploring Product Model Funding for Government Technology
On May 12, the Niskanen Center and POPVOX Foundation hosted "Tech That Works: Unlocking Better Models for Digital Government," a briefing for Congressional staff focused on innovative approaches to funding the development of government technology.
Learning Together: A Morning Focused On Tech Innovations Solving Policy Challenges
On April 28, POPVOX Foundation partnered with the Bertelsmann Foundation to host “Learning Together: Technology Solutions for Policy Challenges,” a first-of-its-kind democratic technology showcase that brought together Congressional staffers, international peers, civil society, technology fellows, civic tech builders, and members of the public for networking and inspiration.
Introducing StaffLink: An AI Assistant for Junior Congressional Staff
StaffLink, a new, AI-powered chatbot designed especially for junior Congressional staffers provides immediate guidance on Congressional operations, drawing on publicly available information about Congressional operations.
How the Congressional App Competition Can Build the Tech Pipeline to Congress
#HouseOfCode marks the culmination of the Congressional App Competition, where students from across the nation and territories develop apps for recognition by their representatives in Congress.
Public Witness Testimony on Strengthen Congressional Capacity and Constituent Service to House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch for FY26
POPVOX Foundation's Advisor for Congressional Initiatives Danielle Stewart submitted testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch for FY26 requesting the subcommittee's consideration of three initiatives to improve Congressional capacity.
Committee on House Administration Member Day
Ahead of the Committee on House Administration's upcoming Member Day, POPVOX Foundation offers the following recommendations encouraging Member engagement with CHA to build on previous successes in creating a strong, responsive Legislative branch.
Cyber Policy Leadership Institute Welcomes Second Cohort at Crowdstrike HQ
The Cyber Policy Leadership Institute is a collaboration between POPVOX Foundation, CrowdStrike, and Advocacy Blueprints, dedicated to bridging the representation gap in cybersecurity policy and creating pathways for emerging policy leaders.
New Rules Call for Ongoing AI Efforts in the House; Here’s What Lawmakers Should Do Next
The House of Representatives’ new rules package for 2025 emphasizes integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and enhance legislative functions. To fully realize AI's potential, lawmakers should prioritize revising restrictive IT policies, forming dedicated AI working groups, investing in staff training, and leveraging modernization funds for pilot programs.
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.