WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) was named the sole Senate finalist for the Congressional Management Foundation’s (CMF) Constituent Service Award for his outstanding practices and achievements acting as ombudsmen with the federal government and responding to constituent requests and inquiries.

“One of the most impactful things that we, as Members of Congress, can do for our constituents is act as a liaison between them and the federal agencies when they run into problems,” said Sen. Cornyn.  “For instance, when someone isn’t receiving proper payments from the Social Security Administration, or is having trouble getting an appointment at the VA, or in need of assistance with the foreign adoption process, casework is there to help. In other words, we do our best to help constituents navigate very real and very personal issues that involve the federal bureaucracy. That way, my office – specifically my constituent services or casework team – can help ensure that no Texan who reaches out slips through the cracks. Now in some circles Texans apparently have a reputation for bragging, but I have to say, my staff are absolutely some of the best in the field when it comes to getting responses for Texans from federal agencies. And in that way, we play an important role in holding the bureaucracy accountable and reminding the federal government that the taxpayer is their customer.”

“Now, more than ever, we need examples of our government functioning at its highest level,” said Bradford Fitch, President and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation.  “As a finalist in Constituent Service for a Democracy Award, the office of Sen. John Cornyn is clearly one of the best in Congress.  This designation demonstrates that Sen. Cornyn has made a significant commitment to being the best public servant for his constituents.  Sen. Cornyn and staff are to be congratulated for not only being a model for colleagues in Congress, but for helping to restore trust and faith that our democratic institutions can work.”
 

In addition to Sen. Cornyn, seven members of the U.S. House of Representatives have been selected as finalists.  Members self-nominated using an online questionnaire, then CMF staff selected the finalists based on a rigorous checklist of qualifications and interviews to assess the office’s adherence to the established criteria.

A committee comprised primarily of former Members of Congress and former congressional staffers will select the two winners (one Democrat and one Republican). Winners will be announced in a few months.  An awards ceremony to honor finalists and winners will be held on September 17, 2020, Constitution Day, a national holiday to commemorate the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia.

CMF is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit whose mission is to build trust and effectiveness in Congress. Since 1977, CMF has worked internally with Member, committee, leadership, and institutional offices in the House and Senate to identify and disseminate best practices for management, workplace environment, communications, and constituent services. CMF also is the leading researcher and trainer on citizen engagement, educating thousands of individuals and facilitating better relationships with Congress.