Congressional Management Foundation Announces Congressional Office Finalists for First-Ever Democracy Awards

by CMF on February 23, 2018

Democracy Awards Recognize Outstanding Achievement

CONTACT: CMF at (202) 546-0100

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 23, 2018 – The Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) today announced the finalists for the first-ever Democracy Awards, CMF's new award recognizing non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices and by Members of Congress. Twenty House and Senate offices were honored as finalists in four categories: Constituent Service, Innovation, Transparency and Accountability, and "Life in Congress" Workplace Environment.

"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, President and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation. "I congratulate each of these offices for their outstanding achievement. Their dedication to serving constituents, maintaining transparency, promoting a positive work environment, and using technological innovations demonstrate the kind of Congress our Founding Fathers envisioned."

House and Senate personal offices nominated themselves using an online questionnaire for the four office categories. CMF followed up with offices to gather documentation and assess the office's adherence to the established criteria. CMF staff selected the finalists based on the information provided by nominees.

A committee comprised primarily of former Members of Congress and former congressional staffers will select the two winners (one Democrat and one Republican) for each of the categories. Winners will be announced in mid-May. An awards ceremony to honor finalists and winners will be held on July 13, 2018. Additionally, two Members of Congress and one congressional staffer will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the July ceremony.

Below is a list of finalists.

Constituent Service – Recognizing offices for their outstanding practices or achievements acting as ombudsmen with the federal government or responding to constituent requests/inquiries.

  • Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN-03)
  • Sen. John Boozman (R-AR)
  • Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA-03)
  • Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-11)
  • Rep. Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ-03)
  • Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA-04)

"Life in Congress" Workplace Environment – Recognizing offices that have established both formal policies and informal cultures that enhance the work-life fit and professional development of their staffs.

  • Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID)
  • Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA-08)
  • Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ-06)
  • Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA-53)
  • Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO-07)
  • Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-02)

Innovation – Recognizing offices employing unique or innovative technology-enabled methods in their constituent interactions, communications, or office operations.

  • Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05)
  • Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH-02)
  • Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-41)
  • Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)

Transparency and Accountability – Recognizing offices that provide clear and relevant information on their work and performance, and publicly acknowledge metrics for that performance.

  • Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21)
  • Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01)
  • Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND)
  • Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA-06)

Details on the finalists' accomplishments can be found here: 
http://congressfoundation.org/projects/democracy-awards/finalists

The Founding Partner for the Democracy Awards is the Bridge Alliance, which provided a generous grant to launch the program. Bridge Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 80 organizations committed to revitalizing democratic practice in America.

This is the second time CMF has created an awards system to incentivize improvement in office operations and citizen engagement. From 2001 to 2013 CMF issued the "Gold Mouse Awards" for the best websites in Congress. The program is largely credited with significantly increasing transparency and constituent engagement in congressional websites.

About the Congressional Management Foundation

CMF is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit whose mission is to build trust and effectiveness in Congress. Since 1977 CMF has worked internally with Member, committee, leadership, and institutional offices in the House and Senate to identify and disseminate best practices for management, workplace environment, communications, and constituent services. CMF also is the leading researcher and trainer on citizen engagement, educating thousands of individuals and facilitating better relationships with Congress.