WASHINGTON, DC . . .Rep. Ralph Hall’s (TX-04) congressional website was named one of the best websites on Capitol Hill today and given a 113^th Congress Silver Mouse Award by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF), a nonpartisan nonprofit 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 2002.

“By demonstrating exceptional accountability and transparency in online communications Congressman Ralph Hall not only provides benefits to his constituents but the entire Congress,” said Bradford Fitch, CMF President and CEO. “Congressman Hall should be congratulated by his constituents, applauded by advocates of good government, and emulated by congressional colleagues.” (Download a copy of the report here.)

“While I may be the oldest member in Congress, I am proud to have one of the highest-ranked websites,” said Hall. “At a time when so few people have faith in the government, it is our responsibility to provide constituents the best possible accountability through social media like websites, Facebook, and Twitter. This award is a testament to my staff who work with me to communicate with my constituents and our efforts to improve the website over the past months.”

“I hope constituents find my website to be a reliable and current resource, and I look forward to continually improving constituent outreach.”

Rep. Hall’s award-winning website includes:

• Updated information on constituent services
• A list of key votes from this year and from the previous 112th Congress (2011-2012)
•  Information on policy issues and legislation he supports on behalf of these issues
• Comprehensive lists of sponsored and co-sponsored legislation this Congress
• Updated Hot Topics issues
• And more.

About the Congressional Mouse Awards:

A total of 70 personal office and committee websites received a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Mouse Award.  The criteria for website assessments have been developed and refined by CMF over the past decade based on survey research, focus groups with constituents, and interviews with key stakeholders to congressional offices. Reviewers assessed 10 categories of criteria: usability of website; timeliness of content; breadth and depth of information on issues; constituent services and casework information; promoting accountability to constituents; legislative process information; district/state information; floor proceedings information; availability of diverse forms of content; and availability of diverse forms of content channels.

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.

 

# # #