How Congressional Staffers Are Using ChatGPT to Save Time and Work Smarter

The average day for a Capitol Hill staffer isn’t just busy — it’s a whirlwind. Between managing constituent casework, prepping policy memos, drafting statements, coordinating with committees, and fielding lobbyist meetings, staffers are essentially running a mini think tank at sprint speed. And there are never enough hours in the day.

It’s exhausting.

The 2025 Hill Hustler

Enter ChatGPT.

ChatGPT is quickly becoming an essential tool for Hill staffers, with artificial intelligence streamlining daily tasks and transforming how congressional offices operate.

While artificial intelligence might sound like a Silicon Valley buzzword, ChatGPT is already proving itself as a valuable tool in congressional offices. It's not about the future — it's about productivity right now. Used effectively, ChatGPT helps staffers summarize complex policy, generate communications content, streamline workflows, and stay focused in an environment that never slows down.

This guide outlines practical ways Hill staffers can use ChatGPT to save time, reduce stress, and supercharge their day-to-day operations.

🧰 The Staffer’s AI Toolkit: ChatGPT in Action

1. 📸 Snap a Photo, Get Talking Points

Need instant analysis of a dense one-pager dropped off right before a meeting? Use the ChatGPT mobile app to snap a photo and generate:

• Quick, digestible talking points

• A summary of key asks

• Notes on policy alignment with your Member’s priorities

Prompt Tip (Mobile):“Review this one-pager from [ORG NAME] and extract:

• Top 3 policy asks

• One potential conflict with our Member’s record

• One quote-worthy phrase for a press releaseLimit summary to under 150 words.”

2. 📚 Legislative Research & Bill Summaries

Legislation analysis doesn’t have to eat up your day. ChatGPT can:

• Break down long bills into briefing bullets

• Flag controversial or costly provisions

• Compare new proposals to current law

Prompt Tip:“Summarize the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act in 5 bullets. Highlight:

• Price control mechanisms

• PBM transparency provisions

• CBO budget impact

• Member alignment on healthcareInclude bill number and latest action date.”

3. 📝 Drafting Memos, Statements & Talking Points

From Q&A documents to press-ready talking points, ChatGPT can handle your first draft.

Prompt Tip:“Draft 5 talking points for a rural broadband roundtable in North Carolina’s 3rd District. Each should:

• Begin with a data point

• Reference supported federal programs

• Mention a local tie (e.g. Carteret County or ECU)Tone: optimistic, fact-based.”

  
  

4. 🤖 Build a Custom GPT for Your Office

Customize a GPT that understands your Member’s unique voice, record, and priorities by uploading:

• Floor speeches

• Sponsored/co-sponsored bills

• Press releases and newsletters

• Voting history

Then use it to:

• Draft tailored constituent replies

• Check alignment on key issues

• Pull relevant quotes or past statements

Prompt Tip:“Based on our Member’s voting record, draft a 3-paragraph letter on Ukraine aid. Include:

• A direct quote

• Summary of vote history

• Framing consistent with our broader foreign policy position.”

5. 💬 Streamlining Constituent Correspondence

When you’re dealing with thousands of constituent emails a month, speed and consistency matter.

ChatGPT can:

• Generate on-brand templates for top issues

• Summarize long emails into clear action items

• Help keep tone respectful and empathetic

Prompt Tip:“Write a 150-word response to a constituent concerned about grocery prices.Include:

• Acknowledgement of concern

• One relevant vote or policy initiative

• Bipartisan language on cost-of-living relief.”

6. 🎙️ Committee & Hearing Prep

Prep your Member fast with:

• Summaries of past hearings

• Background on agencies and issues

• Tailored Q&A based on priorities

Prompt Tip:“Draft a 1-pager for a Transportation & Infrastructure Committee hearing on Amtrak. Include:

• Witness bios

• 3 Member-specific questions

• Any local projects tied to Amtrak

• Recent funding changes since FY24.”

7. 📰 Media Monitoring & Rapid Response

Stay ahead without drowning in headlines. Use ChatGPT to:

• Summarize policy-heavy articles

• Highlight comms opportunities

• Generate short newsletter blurbs or tweets

Prompt Tip:“Summarize this Politico article on the Farm Bill. Include:

• 3-bullet COS brief

• 1 quote for Twitter

• 1 sentence for our weekly newsletter

• Tone: neutral, policy-first.”

⚠️ AI Ethics & Best Practices for Political Offices

• Never input PII, casework, or sensitive data.

• Use AI for ideation and drafting — not final publishing.

• Always review, fact-check, and edit.

• Confirm with your CoS or IT if your office has approved usage protocols.

🏛 Final Word: Use ChatGPT to Work Smarter, Not Just Faster

ChatGPT won’t replace sound political instincts or policy expertise — but it will reduce burnout, help manage the flood of tasks, and give staffers an edge in a high-pressure environment.

Whether you're summarizing a bill, responding to constituents, or prepping for a committee hearing, AI can help you reclaim time and improve outcomes.

🚀 Need Help Using ChatGPT on Your Campaign?

At Assembly Strategies, we help campaigns and political offices integrate AI tools like ChatGPT into their daily workflows. From setting up a custom GPT that speaks in your candidate’s voice to developing AI-powered content pipelines, our team knows how to turn AI from a buzzword into a productivity powerhouse.

👉 Need help with AI integration or campaign strategy?

Let’s talk.

📩 Contact us at Andrew@AssemblyStrategies.com