Lawmakers say House must move more quickly to embrace new technology

House rules must change more swiftly if the chamber is to benefit from advances in technology. Though the iPad has become a common sight in the halls of the Capitol, Congress has a way to go before shedding its reputation as a digital backwater, lawmakers said. “The fact that this is a place that is laden with tradition is a good thing, but that doesn't mean we can't have the application of new technology that is consistent with the rules we have,” said Rep. Dan Lungren (R-CA), the chairman of the House Administration Committee. “One of the things I'm trying to do on House Administration is to make sure that we are more receptive to technology change,” Chairman Lungren said.

Rules dictating the use of electronic devices on the House floor are readopted every two years. The House first adopted a rule prohibiting the use of personal electronic office equipment — including cellular phones and computers — on the floor in 1995 to ensure against disruptions and distractions. That was later amended in 2003 to allow the use of smartphones. In January, the rules were changed again to prohibit the use of any mobile electronic device that is disruptive of decorum. This change allows the Speaker of the House greater latitude in determining which mobile devices may or may not be used by members. The House Administration Committee is reaching out to members of Congress and the private sector to learn how to better modernize information delivery in the House as Congress experiences growing pains in adopting new technology.