Politics

House lawmakers to bring more gadgets onto the floor

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Lawmakers can’t smoke on Speaker-to-be John Boehner’s House floor, but in the next Congress they will be able to smoke out legislative details on the floor with the use of their iPads or BlackBerrys. If debate drags on endlessly, they can catch NBA rookie sensation Blake Griffin smoking a slow-footed defender while watching live-streamed ESPN highlights. And if they want to revel in the absurdities of Washington’s lobbying ways as they wait to give a speech or for their amendment to be called up, they can watch Thank You for Smoking on Netflix.

All of this is possible now that House Republicans have thrown open technology’s door and proposed a change in rules that will allow for electronic devices on the House floor as long as they do not impair “decorum.” Read the full list of rule changes here and see Page 12 for the 411 on PDAs.

Does this mean, heaven forbid, that Republicans are defining decorum down?

They say no.

Full Story: NationalJournal.com – House Lawmakers to Bring More Gadgets Onto the Floor – Monday, December 27, 2010