There is far less information about Congress online than there should and easily could be. Citizens can access bills, but working drafts are rarely posted. The delay guarantees that lobbyists have time to get drafts and influence the process before the general public knows what's happening. Hearing Transcripts and Statements. To find out about congressional hearings, the curious must locate the appropriate committee site.
Some committees post opening remarks and transcripts, but the coverage is scattershot.
While the public waits, lobbyists purchase uncorrected transcripts from pricey transcription agencies. Poblete counsels patience and claims that all committees will offer video archives of hearings someday. Congressional Research Service Reports. The reports, which are often excellent, are public documents that the public can't easily get its hands on. Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., posts several hundred CRS reports on his site, and members give them away in response to specific constituent requests.