iPad News: iPad Comes to U.S. Congress

Posted Dec 25, 2010 at 6:45PM EST by QJ Staff

Listed in: iPad News Tags: apple, ios, news, tablet

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It may be too much to expect of the U.S. Congress that they live in the present rather than the past, but at least they’re coming into the digital age. During the 111th Congress, members of the House of Representatives were not allowed to “smoke or use a wireless telephone or personal computer on the floor of the House.” The rules have been changed slightly for the next Congress, and leaves mobile device etiquette up to the discretion of the Speaker of the House. The amended rule reads: “A person on the floor of the House may not smoke or use a mobile or electronic device that impairs decorum.” My first thought was, ‘They have decorum?” If these guys (and gals) can’t be trusted not to interrupt speeches by the President, can we expect them to observe simple smartphone etiquette? OTOH, the iPad might be valuable as a “cheat sheet” where reps can Google the issues being debated before they say something stupid to the press.

GOP transition team spokesperson Brendan Buck commented on the use of mobile devices on the floor: “The definition of what is ‘disruptive of decorum’ will likely evolve over time, but of course devices are not to make sound and members are not to be speaking on their phones while on the floor. If a member wants to read an amendment, for example, on their iPad, that would be allowed.” Well, anything that gets out elected officials to actually read the pieces of legislation they’re voting on has to be a good thing.

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