An article in today’s Roll Call highlights progress being made in revising House rules that hinder web site functionality. I’m glad to hear that these discussions are finally happening and hopefully new recommendations will be implemented soon.

In particular, members of the franking commission who met this week discussed options that would allow YouTube videos to be compliant with the rules:

The commission has asked the House Administration Committee to develop a policy that allows Members to post videos on an outside Web site that “meets requirements which ensure the integrity of the House,” according to an e-mail from commission Chairman Mike Capuano’s (D-Mass.) spokeswoman, Alison Mills.

“It’s a good first step,” said Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), who is a member of the commission. McCarthy first brought the issue to the commission a year ago, after revamping his Web site and realizing he couldn’t post YouTube videos.

Still, McCarthy said he hopes the commission eventually finds a longer-lasting solution. With new technology and new Web sites popping up every day, the commission should recommend rules that would allow Members to keep up with their constituents, he said.

As the article mentions, there is widespread disregard for the current rules. The fact remains that most of the rules regarding web site and email communication are derived from decades-old language drafted to regulate franked mail and other physical advertising.

The YouTube example is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how these regulations don’t make much sense.