Public Access to Congress Slowed by Old Technology

Improved computer systems would not clear the political gridlock in Congress, but they would at least help break down the barriers that have historically shielded the legislative process from ordinary citizens.

Although Congress has often been quick to jump on federal agencies for their use of outdated technology, much of its own equipment is more than two decades old, limiting the kinds of information made available to the public.

The House of Representatives in the last year has established a home page that, for the first time, gives citizens quick access to the content and status of legislation at each step of the congressional process. The Senate plans to update its home page and provide similar information.

In the past, such information was available in large measure only to lobbyists. Two years ago, the Library of Congress also unveiled the Thomas Legislative Information System (https://thomas.loc.gov), which contains the text of bills, the complete record of House and Senate floor proceedings, committee reports and historical documents. Despite the gains, Congress remains less open to the public than it could be with more modern technology. Testimony given at hundreds of congressional hearings each year, for example, is currently available only in printed form, months after the fact.

Eventually, predicts Cheri Allen, a computer division chief for the secretary of the Senate’s office, testimony will be available on the Internet in a form that is electronically searchable. “‘It has been a frustration for everyone,” Allen said.