Capitol Hill staffers often rely on informal networks to gauge workplace environments. Now, a new platform offers them a verified space for anonymous feedback on congressional offices. Capitol CNCT, a resource hub for congressional staff, introduced ‘The Scoop.’ Launched on July 20, this tool enables staffers to share verified, anonymous reviews of their workplaces.
David Tennent, a former staffer, founded Capitol CNCT to modernize the work experience for young staff in Washington, D.C. He developed this ranking system to address frustrations with ‘bad bosses’ and ‘toxic offices’ on Capitol Hill.
The west front of the U.S. Capitol is reflected in the reflecting pool at dusk. (Photo Credit: J. David Ake/Getty Images)
‘I wanted to create more transparency and help staffers find the best opportunities,’ Tennent explained regarding his inspiration for this tool.
In its first week, ‘The Scoop’ collected early reviews that illuminate Capitol Hill’s workplace culture. While most offices have limited ratings, some highly-rated House offices include Reps. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Michael Rulli (R-Ohio), and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.). Top Senate offices are led by Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Eric Schmitt (R-Miss.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).
On the lower end, the offices of Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) received the lowest ratings. These offices did not respond to requests for comment on their scores.
House lawmakers sit in the chamber on Capitol Hill. (Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Without a central HR department for members’ offices, reporting toxic workplaces is a challenge. ‘The Scoop’ seeks to fill this gap with credible reviews from verified staff.
‘We verify the office where the staffer worked,’ Tennent told Fox News Digital. ‘We check all reviews before publishing to ensure the reviewer has worked in that office.’
Users must pass Capitol CNCT’s background checks, confirming service with the discussed member. They also verify House or Senate email addresses to confirm legitimacy.
‘My biggest fear was creating a platform for political retribution without verification,’ Tennent explained. Notably, Republican offices are nearly twice as likely to receive reviews compared to Democratic offices.
The launch aligns with increased scrutiny over Capitol Hill workplace conduct, following several misconduct allegations.
Some members, like Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), resigned in April after staff accused them of sexual misconduct.
Rep. Eric Swalwell speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Tennent aims for the app to offer staff verifiable insights into working for specific members of Congress. Furthermore, he intends for it to provide constructive feedback, encouraging congressional offices to improve.
‘We want to offer constructive criticism,’ Tennent stated. ‘Hopefully, poorly-rated offices will see this as a wake-up call to enhance office morale and communication.’
Hannah is a Production Assistant with the Politics team at Fox News Digital.