Sunlight Foundation Challenges Lawmakers on Capitol Hill to "Punch a Time Clock"

Check out this press release I just received; I rather like the idea:

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Sunlight Network (the 501(c ) (4) social welfare organization affiliated with the Sunlight Foundation) is today announcing “The Punch Clock Campaign,” which will pay out good-will bounties to anyone who gains the signature of a Member of Congress, or prospective Member, on an agreement to make their daily schedule – listing all the people they meet with, including lobbyists, and all the meetings they go to, including fundraisers — public on the Internet.

“Every single day, the majority of Americans have to account for their time by punching a timecard or filling in a time sheet. It is about time our employees, guaranteed to us by the Constitution, do the same,” said Executive Director Ellen Miller. “A little more than a decade ago this would have been nearly impossible. Now, with the development and reach of the Internet, posting their daily schedule – complete with all the lobbyists they meet with and the fundraisers they go to – is simple.”

Sunlight is asking Members of Congress and FEC qualified challengers to sign an agreement to post their Congressional schedules. To anyone who can get a Member or challenger to sign the agreement, Sunlight will pay a cash fee -- $1,000 for each Member of Congress’ signature, and $250 for all other FEC qualified candidates.

“The Sunlight Network is hoping the change the nature of the relationship between lawmakers and citizens. That starts with lawmakers being more transparent and open about what they do as elected representatives – posting their calendars would begin that process,” Miller added.

The agreement Members and candidates are being asked to sign reads, “I believe citizens have a right to know what their Member of Congress does every day. Starting with the next Congress, I promise to publish my daily official work schedule on the internet, within 24 hours of the end of every work day. I will include all matters relating to my role as a Member of Congress. I will include all meetings with constituents, other Members, and lobbyists, listed by name. (In rare cases I will withhold the names of constituents whose privacy must be protected.) I will also include all fundraising events. Events will be listed whether Congress is in session or not, and whether I am in Washington, traveling, or in my district.”

More information can be found at www.punchclockcampaign.org.

The Sunlight Network, a 501 c(4) affiliated with the Sunlight Foundation, was founded in 2006 to foster a more positive relationship between lawmakers and their constituents, using technology, transparency, and local communities.