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CNN is reporting that, in an effort to foster quicker and easier communication with constituents, members of Congress are turning to Twitter and other message-streaming sites to relay and receive information. Rep. John Culberson, R-Texas, is reportedly “at the forefront of a new effort to reach constituents” through the sites as part of an effort to “’shine sunlight in every dark corner of the Congress.’”

Of course, how exactly elected officials plan to use/are using Twitter isn’t made clear—are Congressmen subscribing to voters’ feeds? Tweeting from their cell phones during committee meetings? But use of technology to increase government transparency has become a general theme in this election—though Culberson’s staunch support appears to carry the issue across party lines.

Others are worried about how these new media networks will affect all the old-school rules governing how members of Congress can interact with their constituents. Rumors spread last week that Twitter might be hit with regulations on Congressional use, and Internet advocacy groups are already taking up the cause. Though until Ralph Hall gets a Twitter account, we’re holding out on being impressed.

Image: Flickr/jeremiah_owyang

July 15th, 2008 Tags: technology, Twitter
by Melissa Lafsky in Science Goes to Washington | 5 comments | RSS feed | Trackback >