a Congressional Office of Constituent Assistance?

Members of all the Houses that this blog covers have seen dramatic increases in casework. Some observers (and members themselves) are concerned that we are seeing national legislators being turned into glorified local social workers. The level of constituency service provided by some legislators is impressive - but is it detracting from the role as national law makers?

A further concerns arises from ethical issues. Legislators bringing home goodies for their districts and constituents - can raise fears that they are seeking to buy re-election.

A1991 Congressional Research Service Paper has recently been republished via the opencrs website. It is republished here - and as with CRS products - it provides a full and balanced analysis of the key issues. Food for thought for legislators (both sides of the Atlantic!) and for citizens.