FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2019
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Congressional Management Foundation Endorses Reform Package to Modernize Congress

In Unanimous Vote, Select Committee on Modernization Approves CMF-Generated Recommendations

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 25, 2019 – The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) strongly endorses the package of recommendations adopted unanimously today by the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. The package of 24 reforms includes several ideas CMF recommended to the Select Committee.

"There are so many excellent ideas in this package, I don't know where to begin," said Bradford Fitch, CMF President and CEO. "The adoption of these recommendations will lead to a smoother transition for new Members of Congress, more efficient use of technology, and a Congress more accessible to its constituents."

Among the proposals from CMF adopted by the Committee:

• Examining and updating the staff payroll system from monthly to semimonthly.
• Raising the cap on the number of staff in Member offices.
• Regularly surveying staff on improving pay and benefits.
• Allowing newly-elected Members to hire and pay one transition staff member.
• Leveraging bulk purchasing of the House by removing technology costs out of Member offices' budgets and moving into a centralized account.

Additionally, former CMF Executive Director Rick Shapiro's recommendations to the Select Committee on creating a centralized Human Resources (HR) department and improving the onboarding and transition of new Members were also included as a part of their recommendations package.

"CMF is proud to support the Select Committee in its efforts to modernize Congress, and we urge House leadership, institutional offices, and relevant committees to implement these proposals. We recognize that change inherently causes some level of discomfort, yet adopting these ideas will result in a Congress which works better for the American people," Fitch said.

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About the Congressional Management Foundation

CMF is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit whose mission is to build trust and effectiveness in Congress. Since 1977, CMF has worked internally with Member, committee, leadership, and institutional offices in the House and Senate to identify and disseminate best practices for management, workplace environment, communications, and constituent services. CMF also is the leading researcher and trainer on citizen engagement, educating thousands of individuals and facilitating better relationships with Congress.