The importance of digital media during Congress’ summer recess

COVID-19 has upended so much of how Washington functions on a daily basis. But there’s one annual tradition it won’t stop: Congress’ annual summer recess.

Starting in August, members of Congress will be back home for several weeks for their traditional summer break. Both chambers are set to return to town after Labor Day to confront a thicket of thorny legislative issues–including the possibility of additional action to respond to the ongoing pandemic.

While August may be a relatively sleepy period in Washington, it’s prime time for issue groups, job creators and other organizations to get their messages heard where it matters most: in the home states of members.

Under usual circumstances, engagement would be primarily face to face. Members would travel across their states and districts for town hall meetings, factory tours, small business roundtables, and in-person meetings with key groups.

But the standard recess model is out the window this year. As with so much else during the COVID-19 crisis, this summer’s congressional recess will be digital. Now’s the time for advocacy groups and companies to start planning for this new dynamic.