McCarthy: Skype Technology is a Smart Way for the House to Expand Citizen Dialogue

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief Deputy Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) issued the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) posted on its Twitter (@FCC) account that Americans should consider using Skype to save money each month. Republicans continue to encourage Speaker Pelosi to allow House members to use Skype as a low-cost way to communicate with their constituents.

"If the FCC says Skype and similar programs are good enough for the American people, then they are good enough for Congress. I believe that we can work together to give the American people more access to their elected officials without jeopardizing our cyber-security within the House. It is my hope that the Speaker will continue to move forward on this issue to bring Congress up to date and allow members to be more connected with their constituents."

Note:

On April 20, 2010, Republican leaders sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi saying in part, current House rules allow Members of Congress to use taxpayer funds to conduct traditional, often expensive, video teleconferencing activities with their constituents, but forbid them from using Skype – which is practically free – for such activities.

On April 27, Speaker Pelosi responded to Republicans by agreeing to initiate a process that may allow Congress to more readily communicate with the American people.