Information systems in the United States senate: An overview of current and projected applications

Abstract

United States Senators and their staff members have access to far-reaching computerized information systems supplied by the Senate infrastructure, by other government sources, and by commercial information suppliers. While the specific application of these assets varies considerably among individual Senate offices, such resources contribute profoundly to the legislative process and to peripheral support functions in each Senate office. This article traces the history and current applications of online information resources in offices of the United States Senate; it focuses specifically on the use of information systems directly accessible to Senators and their staff members within Senate offices. The U.S. Senate Computer Center, which prepared and submitted the article, provides a wide range of automated information services supporting the legislative, administrative, and constituent service functions of the U.S. Senate.