The tragedy in Tucson should not and cannot make it more difficult for our elected officials to be accessible to their constituents. Our system of representation requires constant feedback from the public for our Representatives to do their jobs.
But we should first acknowledge that the Capitol is secure. Second, we should all be more vigilant and take potential threats seriously by reporting them immediately. Third, Members of Congress and their staffs should pursue reasonable security procedures in their districts in the near term.
Rather than overreact, we can take reasonable measures in response to the tragic events in Tucson.
Matt Mackowiak, president of Potomac Strategy Group, is a former Capitol Hill aide who recently managed the campaign of Rep. Bill Flores (R-Texas).
Rep. Bill Cassidy has his blood drawn by Alesha Barbour during a free hepatitis screening in the Rayburn House Office Building hosted by the Congressional Viral Hepatitis Caucus to recognize "National Viral Hepatitis Testing Day."
Roll Call has launched a new feature, Hill Navigator, to advise congressional staffers and would-be staffers on how to manage workplace issues on Capitol Hill. Please send us your questions — anything from office etiquette, to handling awkward moments, to what happens when the work life gets too personal. Submissions will be treated anonymously.
