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Boehner Praises House Panel for Adopting New Website Rules, Rejecting Proposed Internet Restrictions

Washington, Oct 2 -

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today praised members of the Committee on House Administration after the panel adopted a Republican-backed proposal that will expand the use of websites such as YouTube and Twitter by Members of Congress.  The Committee rejected an alternate proposal that would have prohibited legislators and their constituents from communicating with each other via websites that do not appear on a list of “approved” sites created by a government panel.  Boehner issued the following statement:

 “I commend Chairman Brady and Ranking Member Ehlers for their leadership on this important matter.  The Internet is a powerful tool that gives Americans an unprecedented window into the daily actions of their government.  It’s critical for Congress to embrace new technology in all forms in order to more efficiently communicate with their constituents and promote increased openness and transparency in government. 

“These new guidelines are a step in the right direction for a Congress that has been behind the technological curve for too long.  By encouraging the use of emerging and established new media tools, Congress is sending the message that we want to speak to citizens, and receive feedback, in the most open and accessible manner possible.

“I’m pleased Chairman Brady and Ranking Member Ehlers were able to work in a bipartisan fashion and steer clear of proposals that could have had a negative effect on congressional transparency and open government.”

NOTE:  This July, House Democrats on the Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards (“Franking Commission”) recommended that the House adopt regulations that would have restricted communication between Members of Congress and their constituents to websites appearing on a list of “approved” sites determined by government authorities.  House Republicans voiced concerns about the proposal and worked with their Democratic counterparts on the House Administration Committee to stop the proposed new government censorship.