Groups Call on Congress to Immediately Disable Technology that Blocks E-Mails from Constituents

A diverse collection of nonprofit and advocacy groups representing a broad spectrum of political views and issues called upon members of Congress yesterday to stop using a new computer program which enables members' Web sites to block e-mail communications from constituents.

In a joint letter signed by more than 100 organizations, many of whom are more often opponents than allies in their daily work, the groups write: "Congressional attempts to differentiate among constituent communications -- accepting only unorganized communications but blocking communications where individuals are working together to deliver a strong message -- raise dangerous questions about the infringement of constituents' First Amendment rights and are a disservice to constituents."

Several Congressional offices recently implemented a "logic puzzle" computer program that requires a constituent to answer a random computer-generated question before sending an e-mail to their representative. The program effectively blocks e-mails from constituents who use Internet programs provided by nonprofit and advocacy organizations to help members communicate with their elected officials.

The groups are offering to work with Congress to help find a way to effectively manage constituent communications. "The Internet provides a new generation of civic-minded Americans an education in effective democracy and the ability to speak clearly and together about their most deeply held beliefs and concerns. Organizations like ours are legitimate participants in that online forum, where people come together, formulate ideas about their issues, and then communicate with you," the groups write.