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Local Rep. Alan Lowenthal was one of 12 congressmen honored with a “Gold Mouse” award this week for having one of the best websites in the House.

Given every two years by the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation (CMF), the awards are meant to showcase those on Capitol Hill who are using the internet to enhance communication and engagement. The goal is to identify successful websites so that they can serve as models for others.

Lowenthal was the only freshman congressman to earn a gold-level award. 

“I think of my website as a virtual office,” Lowenthal said. “It allows me to hear from my constituents, interact with them, and provide help and information, in some cases, much quicker than through my physical offices. It is one of the most critical tools at my disposal.”

lowenthal.house.gov is a portal to accessing federal government the 47th District–a swath that includes Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Avalon, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Cypress, Westminster, Garden Grove, Buena Park, Anaheim, Midway City and Stanton. On the front page alone, there are options to email Lowenthal directly, read the latest “47th Flyer” news roundup and peruse Lowenthal’s recent votes on the floor. Constituents can also search legislation to see how Lowenthal voted, find out about upcoming issues, or just search through the many items listed under “How Can Alan Help?” Lowenthal’s website can also be read in four languages: English, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese.

“These legislators not only improve their own standing with their constituents, they benefit the entire Congress,” said Bradford Fitch, CMF President and CEO. “These winners of the CMF Gold Mouse Awards are to be congratulated by their constituents, applauded by advocates of good government, and emulated by congressional colleagues.”

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