Internal Operations
Internal Operations

Standardized Continuity of Operations Plans

The ongoing pandemic and national security threats has brought to light the need for standardized continuity of operations plans for all member offices, both on the Hill and back in districts. It should be clear to employees how work will go forward when there is an interruption or emergency. Apart from some customization, the plans should be similar office-to-office to prevent confusion and potentially contradictory instructions, particularly at a time of high stress. Telework, emergency communications, call forwarding and other basic tools should all be covered under these new policies.

STATUS
JURISDICTION
RESOURCES

The Challenge

An Antiquated System

  • “A well-resourced, high-capacity Congress where employees from diverse backgrounds and experiences can build long careers and expertise is a necessary condition for successful legislating in the years ahead."

    Molly E. Reynolds
    Brookings Institution

    “There is no shortage of good ideas for reform, and it's important that Congress grabs the bull by the horns and begins to implement them."

    Jonathan M. Bydlak
    R Street Institute

    “In order to begin to restore the constitutional republic that the founders envisioned, Congress must invest in itself as an institution."

    Kevin R. Kosar
    American Enterprise Institute
  • “The founders put Congress first, but Congress has often put itself last. The success of our system of government depends on a strong Congress. It's time to get to work."

    Soren Dayton
    Protecting Democracy

    “Congressional modernization is not a box to check; it's the ongoing, essential evolution of tools, systems and processes required to keep pace and remain effective in our increasingly complex, ever-changing world."

    Marci Harris
    POPVOX

    “Only by strengthening the rules and norms by which Congress operates will it be able to deliver the legislative solutions that Americans need and deserve."

    Meredith McGehee
    Issue One
  • “Our investment in Congress is a mirror of our investment in democracy itself."

    Daniel Schuman
    Demand Progress

    “A well-resourced, high-capacity Congress where employees from diverse backgrounds and experiences can build long careers and expertise is a necessary condition for successful legislating in the years ahead."

    Molly E. Reynolds
    Brookings Institution

    “There is no shortage of good ideas for reform, and it's important that Congress grabs the bull by the horns and begins to implement them."

    Jonathan M. Bydlak
    R Street Institute