House of Representatives Information Technology Management Issues: An Overview of the Effects on Institutional Operations, the Legislative Process, and Future Planning

Publication Date: April 2003

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

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Abstract:

In the past decade, information technology (IT) has become an integral part of managing governance at the local, state, federal, and international levels. In the House of Representatives, computers, telecommunications, and video technologies have become pervasive. While some systems have been in existence for many years, the technological changes of the past few years represent an exponentially greater change in congressional operations compared to the previous two decades. Today, the House of Representatives relies heavily on IT to improve the efficiency of its internal operations, to enhance Member and staff access to information useful in the legislative process, and to facilitate the production of legislative documents. These changes support the House of Representatives' transition into the electronic government (e-government) environment.

Before 1995, the House of Representatives was essentially a paper-based institution. Since that time, IT infrastructure improvements have provided high speed Internet and network access to all House offices, and improved information security protections, among other advances. Public access to congressional information has also been enhanced through the development of THOMAS, the House of Representatives Web site, and the use of digital audio and video transmissions for some hearings.

While increased IT use in the House of Representatives has yielded benefits, it has also raised issues, both in terms of the effects on the legislative process and the future development of IT initiatives in the House of Representatives. Legislative process issues include the use of personal electronic devices on the floor of the House, and document authentication. The outcome of future IT initiatives will be partly dependent upon the resolution of emerging issues such as technology management; security and authentication concerns; changes in document publishing distribution; archiving; and staffing issues.

This report considers the institutional impact of integrating IT in the House of Representatives on operational and management issues. It includes an overview of ongoing initiatives to upgrade the technological infrastructure of the House of Representatives as well as efforts to enhance public access to congressional information, and ensure the continuity of operations in the event of a disruption. The report also explores the effect of IT on the administration of Member offices, committee operations, and the legislative process. The report concludes with a review of developing technology issues facing the House of Representatives as it continues to implement its IT strategy. A glossary of relevant IT and e-government terms is also included.