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Tag: 113th congress

  • Repeal Obamacare Bill Introduced by Michelle Bachmann

    The 113th U.S. Congress were just sworn-in yesterday, and already House Republicans are reiterating their feelings about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, colloquially known as “Obamacare.”

    Republican Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann has introduced a bill that would repeal Obamacare “in its entirety.” She also notes that her bill, currently known as H.R. 45, is the first bill introduced in the 113th Congress. Though the text of the legislation hasn’t yet been released by the Government Printing Office, the bill’s title – “To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010” – is fairly self-explanatory.

    The bill could be seen as Bachmann and other conservative Republicans’ attempt to re-frame themselves as populist Republicans after some in their party compromised with Democrats for new higher taxes during the recent “fiscal cliff” showdown. However, bills to repeal the health care reform bill have popped up repeatedly since the legislation passed in 2010 and none of them have even come close to passing a full house vote. It’s more likely that this is another seasonal jab at the president for the benefit of constituents in Bachmann’s and other conservative congressional districts.

    Bachmann was proud enough of her bill that she tweeted her about it:

    Of course, Twitter isn’t the most friendly environment for politics, and especially politicians. The responses to Bachmann’s announcement were full of sharp, to-the-point criticism:

  • Facebook Tips New Members of Congress on How to Properly Run a Page

    Facebook has just published their official guide for new members of the 113th Congress on how to set up and maintain a successful presence on the site. Earlier this year, the company urged current members of Congress to step up their game and work on fan engagement.

    Much of the advice, while specific to the actions of Congresspeople, could be used by any page owner to promote their product/service and enhance engagement.

    For instance, Facebook suggests that they post behind-the-scenes photos and videos. Solid advice as users will definitely feel more apt to interact if they feel like they’re interacting with a real person. Facebook also suggests that the new Congressional members create a welcome video, perform regular Q&As with fans, and add milestones to their Timelines.

    Social media is a tricky business for politicians. Of course, a social media helped likely helped President Obama get elected (and reelected), so we know how useful it can be in mobilizing supporters. But they have to do it right. That means real engagement, not simply the illusion of engagement. And naturally, they have to protect themselves from pulling the old Anthony Weiner.

    Check out Facebook’s complete guide to the 113th Congress below: