Heinrich Website Wins Coveted Congressional Gold Mouse Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) was recognized by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) for having one of the best websites in Congress, awarding Heinrich.Senate.Gov with a 113th Congress Gold Mouse Award.

"I'm honored to share this award with New Mexicans. I'm especially proud that my website was recognized as one of the best in providing transparency and online constituent services," said Sen. Heinrich. "My website is not just a one-way street, it's a direct line for the community to connect with me and my staff, to share their ideas and concerns, and to seek information and assistance. I encourage all New Mexicans to continue to utilize the many services, resources, and information available through my website, and let me know if I can be of assistance."

Senator Heinrich is one of four senators and the only freshman senator to receive the 113th Gold Mouse Award. 

The criteria for website assessments have been developed and refined by CMF over the past decade based on survey research, focus groups with constituents, and interviews with key stakeholders to congressional offices. Reviewers assessed 10 categories of criteria: usability of website; timeliness of content; breadth and depth of information on issues; constituent services and casework information; promoting accountability to constituents; legislative process information; district/state information; floor proceedings information; availability of diverse forms of content; and availability of diverse forms of content channels.

The CMF report included a review that described Senator Heinrich's website as, "Very New Mexico-centered. You get a clear sense of where the Senator stands on the issues and how his positions tie to the state. I also liked the integration of photos from meetings with New Mexicans throughout the issues areas." A reviewer also noted that "the casework form is easy-to-follow and creates a PDF onsite with the push of a button."

Download the CMF report here.

"By demonstrating exceptional accountability and transparency in online communications Senator Heinrich not only provides benefits to his constituents but the entire Congress," said Bradford Fitch, CMF President and CEO. "Senator Heinrich should be congratulated by his constituents, applauded by advocates of good government, and emulated by congressional colleagues."

Founded in 1977, CMF is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to helping Congress and its Members meet the evolving needs and expectations of an engaged and informed 21st century citizenry. Its work focuses on improving congressional operations and enhancing citizen engagement through research, publications, training, and management services.