Congress struggles to get tech savvy, adjust to life during a pandemic

Rank-and-file lawmakers in both chambers insist the day to day operations of Congress — hearings, markups, press conferences, caucus meetings — should continue in some form while the House and Senate remain out for weeks in order to prevent the spread of the virus on Capitol Hill. But congressional leaders have staunchly resisted modern technology that could allow members to vote remotely. And only now are top lawmakers starting to explore options to make other congressional duties digital. The slow pace of a legislative body that is in some ways still very much enmeshed in the mores of the 1700s has frustrated members in both parties, who privately complain that leadership has long ignored ideas about how to transition to a more digital workflow. And it means that at a moment of national crisis, Congress is likely unable to function at full capacity.