CONTACT: Renee Ferguson
(773) 224-6500 ofc.; (202) 674-0891 mobile
Renee.Ferguson@mail.house.gov
- or -
Sharon Jenkins
(202) 225-4372 ofc.; (202) 431-8191 mobile
Sharon.Jenkins@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON – U. S. Representative Bobby L. Rush has been awarded the “112th Congress Bronze Mouse Award” in recognition of his official congressional website being named one of the best websites on Capitol Hill.  The award was given by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF), a nonpartisan nonprofit organization working to improve communications between citizens and Congress and enhance operations in Capitol Hill offices.  CMF has assessed and graded congressional websites and issued these awards since 2001.

"Rep. Rush is to be commended for educating citizens and achieving the highest degree of transparency and accountability in online communications," said Bradford Fitch, President and CEO of CMF.  "In the 21st Century, a website is much more than a broadcasting tool for a political message - it's a virtual office and a window into our democratic institutions.  These winners of the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Mouse Awards understand the value of using the Internet to enlighten and serve constituents, and are examples for all congressional offices to follow," he said.

“I want to thank the Congressional Management Foundation for recognizing the fine work my office has done to make Congress more accessible,” Rep. Rush said.  “The Internet is a valuable tool to bring a greater level of transparency to the federal government and we have worked to ensure that our website is an effective and efficient resource for my constituents and the public at large.  I am proud to accept this award and look forward to building on this great achievement.”

CMF conducted its analysis from June to September 2011 and today released its latest report, “112th Congress Gold Mouse Report: Best Practices in Online Communications on Capitol Hill.”

Of the 618 congressional websites graded, a total of 98 personal office, committee and leadership websites earned A’s, and will therefore receive a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Mouse Award. With the assistance and guidance of faculty from the University of California-Riverside, the Ohio State University, and Northeastern University, CMF staff assessed and graded the websites and gave each a numerical score, which was translated into a grade of A through F.

Founded in 1977, CMF is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to helping Congress and its Members meet the evolving needs and expectations of an engaged and informed 21st century citizenry. Its work focuses on improving congressional operations and enhancing citizen engagement through research, publications, training, and management services. The Gold Mouse Awards and congressional website research is part of CMF's Partnership for a More Perfect Union, dedicated to enriching the relationship between citizens and Congress. The goal of the Partnership is to further meaningful civic engagement through education, re-establishing trust, and providing innovative and pragmatic tools to facilitate purposeful two-way communication between citizens and Congress.

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Download a copy of the report here.