WASHINGTON: Today, Subcommittee on Modernization and Innovation Chairwoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) and Ranking Member Norma Torres (CA-35) announced that Modernization Initiatives Account (MIA) funding for a first-of-its-kind Constituent Engagement Innovation Project has been approved.

The project will aim to significantly modernize and expand how Members engage with their constituents by connecting them to innovative technologies and services and offering enhanced data sharing between applications, with safeguards to protect Member data. Rather than contractually locking in with one Correspondence Management System (CMS) for all constituent engagement needs, the Subcommittee's goal is to provide Members with the option to select from a broad range of providers for the unique services that best meet their needs.

“This project represents a major breakthrough in improving how lawmakers engage with constituents,” said Chairwoman Bice. “Having easy access to the latest tools and services for connecting with constituents can dramatically improve our district outreach efforts and ensure we are engaging constituents where they are.”

"It’s important that Congress continues to modernize with the rest of the country," said Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil. "This project will give us access to new, innovative tools to improve how we communicate and interact with our constituents. I thank Subcommittee Chair Bice for all her work on this project."

“Constituent correspondence is one of the most essential responsibilities in Congress – it’s really the heart of our work,” said Ranking Member Torres. “I’m excited about this project because of what can be made possible and easier for my colleagues in their service to their community. This investment in new technology will help strengthen the connection between our office and the people we serve.”
 
“The House of Representatives is the body closest to the American people, and is uniquely positioned to solve problems for them,” said Committee on House Administration Ranking Member Joe Morelle. “This funding will help us ensure that Members have the tools to be even more responsive by delivering timely correspondence to their constituents and improving the quality of their engagement.”


Background:
On December 17, 2025, the Subcommittee held a hearing titled, “The Future of Constituent Engagement with Congress,” where the Constituent Engagement Innovation Project was first publicly discussed. For approximately two decades, Members have had to choose from between just 3 or 4 CMS vendors for their constituent engagement needs. This lack of competition disincentivizes innovation and has left many Members frustrated with the lack of options.

The MIA was established in the FY 2021 Appropriations Act to fund initiatives to modernize House operations. The Subcommittee requested MIA funding for this project on November 20, 2025.

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