Life in Congress

In an era where technology allows for unprecedented connectivity, there is no reason why Congress should not embrace proxy voting as a means to enhance both participation and representation. Providing Members the opportunity to vote and represent their constituents, even when they are unable to be physically present due to physical or family limitations, ensures that the American people are truly being served by the people they have elected to represent them and their families.

Proxy voting allows Members to designate their voting power to a colleague when personal circumstances may prevent floor presence. To make Congress more family-friendly and reflective of a modern workforce, allowing for a limited proxy voting option would ensure all Members could fully participate in the legislative process and represent their constituents despite absences due to maternity, paternity, health issues, or bereavement.

The US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit delivered an important ruling that resolves a fundamental constitutional question about how Congress can operate during emergencies. In State of Texas v. Bondi, the court held that the Constitution's Quorum Clause does not require the physical presence of Members of Congress to conduct business. The decision validates Congress' pandemic-era proxy voting system and, more importantly, paves the way for better emergency preparedness going forward.

Ongoing threats and violence against public officials underscores the importance of highlighting the available resources and solutions that keep Members and staff safe and secure. POPVOX Foundation has compiled some best practices informed by current Congressional staff to ensure the safety and security of Congressional teams. Additionally, the House Sergeant at Arms (HSAA) and the US Capitol Police (USCP) have many helpful guidelines for staff, Members, and constituents to follow in the office and at home.

Constituents rely on their legislator’s local office as an accessible way to have their voice heard. With an ever-increasing shift to government agencies going online, Congressional offices should look to reinforce the importance of having in-person community interaction at the district level. Ensuring that district offices are accessible and responsive to constituents is an essential responsibility for every Member of Congress, regardless of party.

Ongoing conversations about violence against public officials speak to a larger issue for the Legislative branch, highlighting the real need for better continuity planning in the event of an emergency. As the safety and security needs of Members, staff, and their families evolve, so must the resources and response. To help keep offices informed of available services for staff, POPVOX Foundation worked with Capitol Hill staffers to create a best practices safety compilation.

POPVOX Foundation’s report, “119th House Rules Recommendations,” 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 I mandate. Recommendations include creating a Chief Data Officer, a Joint Committee on Continuity, and a simpler House schedule.

POPVOX Foundation worked with a design firm to render what the Capitol Campus of tomorrow could look like—a hopeful and realistic vision of the future that is rooted in tradition. Those taking up the mantle of modernizing the House can use these architectural renderings to think beyond minor adjustments to rooms and the House floor to more ambitious improvements to the space.

To support Congressional families as they approach starting a new term in Congress together, POPVOX Foundation created “Welcome to Washington,” a children’s book designed to enhance their experience in Washington, DC.

Ahead of the 119th Congress, POPVOX Foundation created “Gavel In,” a limited-run, explainer podcast series about how Congress works, created especially for freshmen Members of Congress, their staff, and spouses. Gavel In shares best practices and Congressional procedures from interviews with current and former Members of Congress, Capitol Hill Chiefs of Staff and other high-ranking staffers, and Congressional scholars — all hailing from across the country and the political spectrum.

POPVOX Foundation believes that a robust, effective onboarding program is essential for newly elected Members to be impactful out of the gate in representing their constituents and to operate effectively within an increasingly complex institution. New Member Orientation (NMO) not only prepares Members Elect to take office, it creates an environment to foster bipartisan relationships, deepen understanding of the institution, and create a support network within the Capitol campus.