Proposed U.S. House Rules Welcome (Quiet) Mobile Devices to the Floor [TechPresident]
With the U.S. House of Representatives changing party control next month, many changes in the internal rules of the chamber are likely to take place. One proposed change that's receiving attention is a plan to allow mobile devices - smartphones and tablet computers - onto the House floor for the first time. Currently, members of Congress aren't allowed to use the devices on the floor. That means no mobile emailing during a roll call vote or reading an amendment on an iPad during debate.
The proposed change in the rule would slightly tweak the mobile device ban, prohibiting devices that "impairs decorum." The new House leadership plans to interpret that change to allow mobile devices so long as ringers are placed on silent so that they do not interrupt the House proceedings.
This change in the rules will give our representatives access to the technology that is often taken for granted in the conduct of business in the private sector. No longer will members need to move off the floor to use technology to read up on a bill or receive an important email from staff or constituents.
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