New Platform Allows Anonymous Rating of Congressional Offices

Capitol Hill staffers often depend on private talks and anonymous social media to spot problematic offices. Now, a new platform offers a verified approach for anonymously rating and reviewing members of Congress and their workplaces.

Introduction of Capitol CNCT

Capitol CNCT is a program aimed at centralizing resources for congressional staff. On July 20, it launched “The Scoop,” a tool where verified staff can anonymously share reviews of the offices they work in. David Tennent, a former staffer, founded Capitol CNCT to modernize the work experience for young people in Washington, D.C. He was motivated by the increasing frustration over ‘bad bosses’ and ‘toxic offices’ on Capitol Hill.

“I wanted to create something that offered more transparency and helped staffers find the best opportunities available,” Tennent said.

Initial Impact of “The Scoop”

Just a week after its launch, verified reviews have started to shape an early picture of Capitol Hill’s workplace culture. While most offices have received only a few ratings, the highest-rated House offices so far include Reps. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Michael Rulli (R-Ohio), and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.). Among Senate offices, the top-rated include Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Eric Schmitt (R-Miss.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). Conversely, the lowest-rated include Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.). These offices did not respond to requests for comments about their rankings.

Lack of Central HR on Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill lacks a centralized human resources department, making it difficult for staff to report toxic workplaces. “The Scoop” aims to provide a reliable platform for leaving and reviewing feedback. Reviews are thoroughly vetted by verifying that reviewers have worked in the offices they rate. “We verify the office in which they’ve worked,” Tennent said. “We check all reviews before they go live to ensure legitimacy.”

“My biggest concern was creating a platform for political retribution,” Tennent explained. “We ensure reviews are verified to prevent unwarranted attacks.”

So far, Republican offices have been reviewed nearly twice as often as Democrat offices. The launch coincides with increased scrutiny over Capitol Hill’s workplace culture, as some offices face misconduct allegations.

Context of Misconduct on Capitol Hill

Several Congress members have resigned or faced criticism this year over allegations of misconduct. Notably, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) resigned in April following accusations of misconduct, including rape allegations against Swalwell.

Tennent said, “We launched amidst heightened discussions of congressional ethics, providing staff with a platform to discuss their experiences meaningfully.”

The Purpose and Future of “The Scoop”

The primary aim of “The Scoop” is to offer verifiable reviews for those considering Capitol Hill careers. Tennent also hopes it will prompt constructive criticism from current members and offices.

“We hope that if an office receives poor ratings, it will serve as a wake-up call,” Tennent said. “We want to encourage strategies to improve office morale and communication.”