The iPad is coming to Capitol Hill. Tucked into new rules proposed by the incoming House Republican majority is one that could fling the chamber -- for good or ill -- into the 21st century: Members may use an electronic device on the House floor as long as it doesn't 'impair decorum.' The new rule would relax the complete ban on the use of gadgets like the iPad, iPhone or BlackBerry on the floor. Mobile phones, tablet computers and the whole burgeoning universe of applications that run on them will be officially available to House members as they conduct business. Members still may not talk on the phone in the chamber and are supposed to use the devices for official business only, according to a spokesman for the soon-to-be speaker, John A. Boehner, R-Ohio. But as long as the mute switch is on, lawmakers will be free to tap away. 'Mr. Boehner has deep respect for the institution and its traditions,' said Brendan Buck, a spokesman for the Republicans. 'This is not free license to Skype or pay bills online. But we recognize that people consume information electronically these days. It's just silly that the House wouldn't accommodate that.' The decision represents a vivid concession of old-fashioned tradition to new technology. But while the nation's lawmakers will be fully plugged in, they will also be in danger of tuning one another out. In the Senate, a leadership aide said no changes were planned, but that the rules committee could look into loosening the rules at some point. But in the House, members will be free to whip out their mobile phones any time. The new rules in the House, first reported by Nancy Scola of techPresident.com, will be clarified early next month in a document called the Speaker's Announced Policies. For example, Buck said the use of the ubiquitous white iPod earphones would probably not be allowed. The intent, he said, was to let lawmakers look up the text of a bill, check a fact or keep up on the news of the day. On the other hand, less-high-minded members could use the devices to play games, do their Amazon shopping or find movie listings. Still, Jaron Lanier, author of 'You Are Not A Gadget: A Manifesto,' envisioned a bright side, even if lawmakers are not using the devices strictly for work. Recalling the many scenes of lawmakers' speaking to a mostly empty chamber, he said, 'At least if they have a little game to play, maybe they will attend more.' 