Web Checks
This refers to the final check in the Key Votes process, after the summary has been released live, and before the summary gets archived. Unlike vote checks and summary checks, this check is performed on the live website. Also unlike summary checks, a web check does not review the substance of the summary itself - there is no need to check the facts of the summary against the bill text or press (unless you spot what appears to be a glaring error during the web check). Rather, this is a check for presentableness and consistency. Don't let that fact downplay the importance of a web check. Although priority is given to vote checks and summary checks, web checks are very important for two reasons:
- It will likely be the last check of an entry on the website, and thus the last chance to fix any errors.
- It is essential for maintaining consistency, which the Department emphasizes a great deal.
When performing a web check, carefully peruse the following information, although you are never limited solely to this information:
- Other Statuses. Check the legislative website to see if any additional statuses should be added. You should also ensure that the following information has been inputted for each status: chamber, stage, result, "Yeas" and "Nays (or voice vote), roll call number (if applicable), rank number, and note (if applicable).
- Sponsors and Cosponsors. Utilize the state specific guide to determine that the appropriate members were selected and they were correctly identified as sponsors or cosponsors. Some states add sponsors and cosponsors throughout the course of the legislative process. Therefore, you should also check the legislative website to determine if any have been added.
- Roll Call Number. Utilize the state specific guide to determine that the appropriate roll call number was assigned to that vote, provided the state has roll call numbers available on their site.
- Project Vote Smart Synopsis Intro. Utilize the wiki to ensure that the appropriate PVS synopsis has been applied. This includes more than the stage-specific intro (ex: "Vote to pass...", "Vote to adopt a conference report...", and "Vote to concur with House/Senate amendments and pass..."). Check for various idiosyncrasies that must be noted in the PVS synopsis (ex: constitutional amendments require the phrase "...submits a constitutional amendment to the voters..." and motion votes must contain description of the motion).
- Introductory Verbs. Utilize the wiki to ensure that highlights all begin with the appropriate introductory verb. This does not mean you only check to see if introductory verbs were used - also check to see if a more appropriate introductory verb should be used (ex: people frequently overuse the word "specifies," when another introductory verb is more appropriate). You are authorized to reword a highlight if you change the introductory verb, provided it does not alter the meaning of the highlight.
- Formatting/HTML Code. Check to ensure the summary was formatted properly on the website. Pay close attention to indented highlights to ensure that the HTML code was correctly entered in admin. For further information, refer to the releasing votes and summaries guide.
- Citations. Utilize the wiki to ensure that the citations are formatted correctly.
- Grammar and Syntax. Do a quick read of the summary to check for any grammar and/or syntax errors that were missed during the summary check process.
- Partisan Language. Utilize the wiki to ensure that nothing meets our standards partisan language. Look out for anything that might cast the summary in a positive or negative light.
- Bill Text. Upload the bill text from the live website to ensure that it's the correct version and the correct format (pdf).
Any corrections that are spotted during a web check must be addressed immediately both in admin and on the bill summary sheet. Upon completing a web check, print a new copy of the bill summary sheet that includes any changes that were made. The physical folder can then be archived.
NOTE: If you are conducting a web check on a congressional bill, make sure that the bill is dead and will no longer have any future action. Also, when going through Thomas or Congress.gov, make sure to view "all congressional actions" and not just the "major congressional actions". Otherwise, you may miss other statuses, including referred to committee statuses.
