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Influence isn't about data, it's about compelling stories. But when Congress uses stories, where are they getting the data to support them? Are they just anecdotes or is there evidence behind them? Will big data and sophisticated data analytics change how these stories are told? After attending two events related to data and Congress, I've determined that the rise in open data and simplistic data visualization will make data even easier to misunderstand and manipulate than it already is. To ensure this does not happen, Congress will need to place significant thought and attention into how they are obtaining, interpreting, and using data.

CMF's report, Citizen-Centric Advocacy: The Untapped Power of Constituent Engagement, seeks to explain the connection between citizen engagement and legislators' decision-making. But that begs the question: What constitutes a "decision" by a lawmaker?

Part of CMF's expanding mission is to explain to the public how Congress actually works and dispel the myths perpetuated in mainstream and online media. Regrettably, we found the need to do this after the New York Times published a rather uninformed opinion piece on casework operations on Sunday.

Follow the link below to read CMF’s reply, written by our Chair Emeritus of the Board of Directors and former CMF Executive Director, Ira Chaleff.

CMF research, our collective experience and off-the-record interviews with Members and staff suggest that Congress is more noble than portrayed. Congress is actually made up of hardworking public servants who are mostly motivated by what is in the best interests of their constituents: Head, Heart and (Political) Health.

In the sixth installment of 'Inside the Hill', congressional staff discuss how the Internet has affected the ways congressional offices get their news.