Hacking the Capitol: All the Ways Tech Can Help Congress Work Smarter

A platform that would allow the public to contribute to congressional hearings in real-time. A track-changes type of tool that could show each and every change lawmakers make to a bill during the legislative process. A digital petition system for each congressional district. The second Congressional Hackathon, held Oct. 23 at the Capitol, produced some big, creative ideas and even some prototypes -- all designed to leverage technology to improve the way Congress works. The bipartisan event was hosted by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, (R-CA), and Minority Whip Rep Steny Hoyer (D-MD). In addition to members of Congress and their staff, about 200 people attended the event, including open government and transparency advocates and software engineers.