In the 8th part of our continuing series about Gold Mouse criteria, we are covering what you should include on your site about the ongoing activities on the floor of the House or Senate. Most citizens are not familiar with what is going on in Congress or the schedule it keeps, and your website should be a place where people can learn about the legislative process and congressional action.
Your website should include what’s going on when Congress is in session by providing the chamber schedule, current floor proceedings, and links to the Congressional Record. When Congress is out of session, it can also do constituents a service by highlighting your Member’s activities during recess. Many citizens, and even many in the media, mistakenly believe that when Congress is in “recess” the Members are on vacation. Your site can be used to help correct that misconception.
Characteristic #8: Floor Proceedings
Questions to be answered:
- Does your website link to what is currently happening on the floor of the House or Senate?
- Do you show what your Member is doing during recess?
The specifics we look for:
- The chamber schedule.
- Current floor proceedings.
- Links to the Congressional Record.
- Descriptions and lists of activities the Member does when on recess.
Note: The most current information about Congress does not need be created and maintained by the office. Linking to, or incorporating information from, the Library of Congress, the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate, and leadership offices can ensure the timeliness and usefulness of a site without overloading staff.
Award-Winning Example: Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID)
10 Characteristics of an Award-Winning Member Website:
