Tuesday, September 15, 1998

Starr Report slows e-mail in Washington

The Internet apparently handled the Starr Report, but it's having problems with the aftermath.

So much e-mail is being zapped to Washington in reaction to Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr's report on President Clinton that congressional offices - and equipment - are having difficulty coping with it all. One source said the huge amount of e-mail has so clogged the system that Washington computers were practically at a standstill.

In addition, congressional phone lines are jammed, and postal mail is arriving by the bushel, much faster than it can be answered. Starr's report has obviously provoked a massive, nationwide reaction, and hundreds of thousands of Americans are clamoring to let their voice be heard.

If you want to join this input to Congress, here are the addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of our U.S. senators and congressman:

-- U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm, 370 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510-4302. Phone 202-224-2934. No e-mail or Abilene office.

-- U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, 703 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510-4301. Phone 202-224-5922. E-mail senator@hutchison.senate.gov. Local office, 500 Chestnut, Abilene, TX 79602, 676-2839.

-- U.S. Rep. Charles Stenholm, 1211 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. Phone 202-225-6605. E-mail texas17@mail.house.gov. Local office, 241 Pine, Abilene, TX 79601, 673-7221.

Just remember that personnel and equipment are processing many more calls and letters than usual. Delays might be unavoidable; patience may be required; and a little politeness toward the office employees could well be in order.