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1 (August 22, 2007)

handle is hein.crs/crsuntaaieo0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Order Code RS2271 0 August 22, 2007 CRS Report for Congress Congressional Franking Privilege: An Overview Matthew E. Glassman Analyst in American National Government Government and Finance Division Summary The congressional franking privilege, which dates from 1775, allows Members to send official mail to their constituents at government expense. Congress, through legislative branch appropriations, reimburses the U.S. Postal Service for the franked mail it handles. Use of the frank is regulated by federal law, House and Senate rules, and committee regulations. Reform efforts during the past 20 years have reduced overall franking expenditures by almost 70%, from $113.4 million in FY1988 to $34.3 million in FY2006 (current dollars). This report provides an overview of the congressional franking privilege, its costs, and regulations on Member use of the frank. It will be updated as legislative action occurs. Background The franking privilege, which allows Members of Congress to send official mail at government expense, has its roots in 17th century Great Britain; the British House of Commons instituted it in 1660.1 In the United States, the practice dates from 1775, when the First Continental Congress passed legislation giving its Members mailing privileges so as to communicate with their constituents.2 Congress continues to use the franking privilege to satisfy an articulated public interest in facilitating official communications from elected officials to the citizens whom they represent. The communications may include letters in response to constituent requests for information, newsletters regarding legislation and Member votes, press releases about official Member activities, copies of the Congressional Record and government reports, and notices about upcoming town meetings organized by Members. 1 Post Office Act, 12 Charles 11 (1660). 2 Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, ed. Worthington C. Ford et al. (Washington, D.C., 1904-37), 3:342. Congressional Research Service The Library of Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress

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