Washington, DC – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), a member of the House Technology Operations Team, released the following statement today after Chairman of the House Technology Operations Team Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Chairman of the House Administration Committee Dan Lungren (R-CA) announced that the House’s ban on using Skype and ooVoo video teleconference (VTC) calls has been lifted, allowing better communications between Members of Congress and their constituents.

“As we’ve recently seen with other initiatives, the new House Majority is committed to effectively using new technologies to conduct the people’s business and tap into the great ideas and wisdom of the American people” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “Today’s decision permitting VTC calls is part of that commitment.  Now that I can use Skype and ooVoo in my official office, I will be better able to communicate with my constituents and solicit their feedback, while also saving precious taxpayer dollars.”

In April 2010, Rep. McMorris Rodgers signed onto a letter to then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling on the House to ease restrictions on the use of video teleconferencing.

Rep. McMorris Rodgers is Co-Chair of the Republican New Media Caucus.  A list of her New Media accomplishments can be found here.