Technology and Transparency
Technology and Transparency

Update Outside Vendor Approval Process

When House members do need to hire an outside vendor to assist with websites or other tech needs, the process is so cumbersome and time-consuming it can discourage vendors and offices from pursuing projects or having access to the latest innovations. A more transparent, reliable and timely process would encourage competition among vendors and help ensure members have the tools they need at the right price.

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