Virtual Hearings on Capitol Hill Likely to Outlast the Pandemic

The virtual congressional hearing, born of necessity during the height of the pandemic, is likely to become a permanent fixture on Capitol Hill, with leaders saying it allows them to solicit views from a more diverse and broader array of people.

“It allows for us to get better, more qualified witnesses because they don’t have to travel,” said Small Business Chair Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) in an interview. “It really is an added benefit to the work we need to do in the committee.”

Testifying in person was previously reserved for those either living in D.C. or able to take the ...