You're right on the first point. However, as a first approximation the top comment is likely the highest upvoted comment, particularly when the name isn't one o

You're right on the first point. However, as a first approximation the top comment is likely the highest upvoted comment, particularly when the name isn't one of the top 10 posters on HN. The CRS and CBO do provide a useful service. But, it would be impossible for each congress person to research the effects of a tariff, increasing pre-k funding to the states, chimpanzee sanctuary funding needs at the NIH as well as the changing feelings related to technology, copyright, gun control and how it effects their various constituents who all have their own interests. It's much easier and more practical for lobbyist just to hand them a "fact sheet" that says: "This bill will save 240 lives this year in your district." or "This bill will provide 430 jobs in and increase the tax base 2 million dollars in your district" Of course, maybe you meant "hand all this off to an LA" which they already do to some extent.