Accurate, Focused Research on Law, Technology and Knowledge Discovery Since 2002

You Are Here: Home » Archives: March 2010

Daily Archives: March 9, 2010

CRS: Social Networking and Constituent Communications: Member Use of Twitter During a Two-Month Period in the 111th Congress

by on

Social Networking and Constituent Communications: Member Use of Twitter During a Two-Month Period in the 111th Congress, February 03, 2010

  • “Beginning with the widespread use of e-mail by Congress in the mid-1990’s, the development of new electronic technologies has altered the traditional patterns of communication between Members of Congress and constituents. Many Members now use e-mail, official websites, blogs, YouTube channels, and Facebook pages to communicate with their constituents–technologies that were either non-existent or not widely available 15 years ago. These technologies have arguably served to enhance the ability of Members of Congress to fulfill their representational duties by providing greater opportunities for communication between the Member and individual constituents, supporting the fundamental democratic role of spreading information about public policy and government operations. In addition, electronic technology has reduced the marginal cost of constituent communications; unlike postal letters, Members can reach large numbers of constituents for a relatively small fixed cost. Despite these advantages, electronic communications have raised some concerns. Existing law and chamber regulations on the use of communication media such as the franking privilege have proven difficult to adapt to the new electronic technologies. This report examines Member use of one specific new electronic communication medium: Twitter. After providing an overview and background of Twitter, the report analyzes patterns of Member use of Twitter during August and September 2009. This report is inherently a snapshot in time of a dynamic process. As with any new technology, the number of Members using Twitter and the patterns of use may change rapidly in short periods of time. Thus, the conclusions drawn from this data can not be easily generalized nor can these results be used to predict future behavior. The data show that 205 Representatives and Senators are registered with Twitter (as of September 30, 2009) and issued a total of 7,078 “tweets” during the data collection period of August and September 2009. With approximately 38% of House Members and 39% of Senators registered with Twitter, Members sent an average of 116 tweets per day collectively. Members’ use of Twitter can be divided into eight categories: position taking, policy, district or state activities, official congressional action, personal, media, campaign activities, and other. The data suggest that the most frequent type of tweets were district or state tweets (24%), followed by policy tweets (23%), media tweets (14%), and position-taking tweets (14%).”

    • CRS — Satellite Surveillance: Domestic Issues

    by on

    Satellite Surveillance: Domestic Issues, Richard A. Best Jr. Specialist in National Defense, Jennifer K. Elsea, Legislative Attorney, February 1, 2010 “This report provides background on the development of intelligence satellites and identifies the roles various agencies play in their management and use. Issues surrounding the current policy and proposed changes are discussed, including the findings… Continue Reading

    CRS — Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians

    by on

    Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians, Susan G. Chesser, Information Research Specialist, February 26, 2010 “This report collects statistics from a variety of sources on casualties sustained during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), which began on October 7, 2001, and is ongoing. OEF actions take place primarily in Afghanistan; however, OEF casualties also includes American casualties… Continue Reading

    CRS: Metropolitan Transportation Planning

    by on

    Metropolitan Transportation Planning, Metropolitan Transportation Planning, William J. Mallett, Specialist in Transportation Policy, February 3, 2010 “Federal law requires state and local governments to designate a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) in each urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more to help plan surface transportation infrastructure and services. There are currently 381 MPOs nationwide.… Continue Reading

    FinCEN Clarifies Expectations Regarding Beneficial Ownership Guidance Released in Conjunction with Financial Regulators

    by on

    News release: “The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today issued guidance, Guidance on Obtaining and Retaining Beneficial Ownership Information, which clarifies and consolidates regulatory expectations for obtaining beneficial ownership information for certain accounts and customer relationships. FinCEN worked closely with its regulatory partners to develop the guidance and is issuing it jointly with the Federal… Continue Reading

    CRS: Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy

    by on

    Israeli-Arab Negotiations: Background, Conflicts, and U.S. Policy. Carol Migdalovitz, Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs, January 29, 2010 “Congress is interested in issues related to Middle East peace because of its oversight role in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, its support for Israel, and keen constituent interest. It is especially concerned about U.S. financial and… Continue Reading

    FinCEN Provides Anti-Fraud Information for 12th Annual National Consumer Protection Week

    by on

    News release: “FinCEN joins with other Federal, State and Local government agencies and consumer protection organizations to recognize the 12th Annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 7-13. This coordinated consumer education campaign encourages individuals across the country to take full advantage of their consumer rights. FinCEN provides a number of special resources to educate… Continue Reading

    Studies Reveal Why Drinking Water Wells are Vulnerable to Contamination

    by on

    News release: “New USGS groundwater studies explain what, when, and how contaminants may reach public-supply wells. All wells are not equally vulnerable to contamination because of differences in three factors: the general chemistry of the aquifer, groundwater age, and direct paths within aquifer systems that allow water and contaminants to reach a well. More than… Continue Reading