Legislative Transparency and the Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress

Abstract

What has motivated Congress to build the technical and organizational infrastructure that is necessary for legislative transparency? Congress unlike the executive branch has not faced the institutional pressure to modernize its work practices through technology. The legislative branch has been free to determine at what times and under what circumstances to change internal practices, precedent and technology. The infrequently formed Joint Committee on the Organization of Congress has ushered in sweeping simultaneous change in both chambers. The JCOC was formed in 1946, 1965 and 1993. An examination of the common traits from each reform effort provides some direction as to why Congress embraces technology. This talk covers the history of the reports, laws and funding that have provided access to Congressional information.

Keywords: JCOC, Congress, innovation, transparency, legislative