Representative Steve Israel (D-NY) demonstrates how he uses technology and social media to keep his constituents informed of congressional issues.

Discussion Questions

1. How, and why does Rep. Israel use his flip camera? What other types of technology and social media does he use to communicate with constituents? Which one do you believe is the most effective? Are there any other tools you would suggest Rep. Israel should use?
2. Rep. Israel mentions his “Why Tuesday” legislation and shows the video he recorded asking tourists if they know why elections fall on a Tuesday. Why are presidential elections in the United States held on Tuesdays?
3. Click here to view a clip of Sen. Israel from July 16, 2009, introducing the Weekend Voting Act (H.R. 3170) on the floor of the House of Representatives. Click here to view the bill’s chronology. If you were a member of Congress, would you support or oppose this bill? Why?
4. If Rep. Israel’s constituents want to link to YouTube or Facebook from his official House of Representatives website, what happens first? Why?