Simpson following in Jolie's footsteps

Singer Jessica Simpson will be following in her idol Angelina Jolie's footsteps later this month, when she lobbies members of Congress on behalf of a children's charity.

The star will head to Washington, DC to speak with lawmakers about Operation Smile, an organisation that provides surgery for children with facial abnormalities.

Simpson visited Africa last year as a guest of the charity group.

A source close to the organisation confirms, "She's in the phase of her life now where she wants to use her celebrity for good.

"She's flying in on her own dime. This is her Angelina moment."