Even as we wait for Skype's acquisition by Microsoft to finally close and become official that isn't keeping the Internet based phone company from working with others on new projects. Recently the Skype blog site announced that it will be providing access to the software for members of the US House of Representatives and their staff. The blog states that Skype has been working with the legislative branch "to ensure that Skype is used safely for official business."

The blog states that each member of the Representatives' offices will allow one person to manage all of the Skype accounts. Also the blog states, "Members of Congress and their staff can personally configure important privacy settings to provide the highest level of security available on Skype." It's hoped that giving Skype access to these lawmakers will allow them to save money and time by doing things like holding "meetings with their constituents who are unable to travel to the Congressional office, participate in virtual town hall meetings when the Member is not in her District" and more.

The blog also hints that it is working on a similar Internet phone service deal with the members of the US Senate along with other government organizations but nothing has been officially announced. You can bet that Skype's soon-to-be new owners Microsoft will continue to expand Skype's user base though deals such as this. As we previously reported the $8.5 billion acquisition deal, announced last May, recently got approval from the Federal Trade Commission and should finally close any day now.