This excerpt from a newsletter presents an interview with Robert Lee Chartrand, senior specialist in information policy and technology for the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress, on issues related to information technology and the U.S. Congress. A brief biography of Mr. Chartrand presents his major professional experience, including 19 years as an advisor to the members and committees of Congress, and responsibility for maintaining a liaison with information systems oversight and development groups in the Senate, House, and other legislative branch elements. Mr. Chartrand responds to questions regarding: (1) the organization and functions of his office; (2) other existing avenues of advice for congressional members on technological issues; (3) the level of technological sophistication of the average member of Congress; (4) kinds of informal information organizations on the Hill; and (5) current issues of information technology being considered by Congress, such as technology in emergency management, technology in developing countries, computer crime, and financial support for increased technology in education. The interview concludes with brief descriptions by Mr. Chartrand of three existing computing centers--HIS (House Information Systems), the Senate computer facility, and the Library of Congress--and the trends he sees toward creation of local area networks, use of facsimile transmission, and increased utilization of videotex systems. (JB)