To try to “restore a little faith” in Congress, the Congressional Management Foundation on Friday announced the finalists for its first Democracy Awards.
The organization chose its finalists for their focus on constituent services, their workplace environment, innovation, and transparency.
“The public often doesn’t get a complete picture of how Congress operates. CMF created these awards to highlight examples of Members and staff performing at outstanding levels, and perhaps restore a little faith in the institution of Congress,” said Bradford Fitch, the foundation’s president.
The Congressional Management Foundation is a nonpartisan nonprofit established in 1977 to help build trust and effectiveness in Congress.
Offices nominated themselves through an online questionnaire, and the foundation assessed each office before selecting the finalists. A committee made up mainly of former members of Congress and congressional staffers will select the winners.
A Democrat and a Republican in each category will be selected as winners, which will be announced in mid-May.
Constituent Service
Offices with outstanding practices or achievements acting as ombudsmen with the federal government or responding to constituent requests and inquiries.
- Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind.
- Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.
- Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa.
- Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif.
- Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Ariz.
- Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga.
“Life in Congress” Workplace Environment
Offices that have established both formal policies and informal cultures that enhance the work-life fit and professional development of their staffs.
- Sen. Michael D. Crapo, R-Idaho.
- Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash.
- Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz.
- Rep. Susan A. Davis, D-Calif.
- Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo
- Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Md.
Innovation
Offices employing unique or innovative technology-enabled methods in their constituent interactions, communications or office operations.
- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash.
- Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio
- Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif.
- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.
Transparency and Accountability
Offices that provide clear and relevant information on their work and performance, and publicly acknowledge metrics for that performance.
- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y.
- Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va.
- Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D.
- Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass.