Source: https://www.global-regulation.com/law/united-states/303244/2-usc-ch.-16%253a-congressional-mailing-standards.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 14:18:53+00:00

Document:
House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards.
Select Committee on Standards and Conduct of the Senate.
Official mail of persons entitled to use congressional frank.
Mass mailings by Senate offices; quarterly statements; publication of summary tabulations.
Mass mailing of information by Senators under frank; quarterly registration with Secretary of Senate.
Mass mailing sent by House Members.
There is established a special commission of the House of Representatives, designated the "House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards" (herein referred to as the "Commission").
The Commission shall be composed of six Members appointed by the Speaker of the House, three from the majority political party, and three from the minority political party, in the House. The Speaker shall designate as Chairman of the Commission, from among the members of the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service of the House, one of the Members appointed to the Commission. A vacancy in the membership of the Commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. Four members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum to do business.
In performing its duties and functions, the Commission may use such personnel, office space, equipment, and facilities of, and obtain such other assistance from, the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service of the House, as such committee shall make available to the Commission. Such personnel and assistance shall include, in all cases, the services and assistance of the chief counsel or other head of the professional staff (by whatever title designated) of such committee. All assistance so furnished to the Commission by the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service shall be sufficient to enable the Commission to perform its duties and functions efficiently and effectively.
The Commission shall provide guidance, assistance, advice, and counsel, through advisory opinions or consultations, in connection with the mailing or contemplated mailing of franked mail under section 3210, 3211, 3212, 3213(2), 3218, or 3219, in connection with the operation of section 3215, of title 39, and in connection with any other Federal law (other than any law which imposes any criminal penalty) or any rule of the House of Representatives relating to franked mail, upon the request of any Member of the House or Member-elect, Resident Commissioner or Resident Commissioner-elect, Delegate or Delegate-elect, any former Member of the House or former Member-elect, Resident Commissioner or Resident Commissioner-elect, Delegate or Delegate-elect, any surviving spouse of any of the foregoing (or any individual designated by the Clerk of the House under section 3218 of title 39), or any other House official or former House official, entitled to send mail as franked mail under any of those sections. The Commission shall prescribe regulations governing the proper use of the franking privilege under those sections by such persons.
Any complaint by any person that a violation of any section of title 39 referred to in subsection (d) of this section (or any other Federal law which does not include any criminal penalty or any rule of the House of Representatives relating to franked mail) is about to occur, or has occurred within the immediately preceding period of one year, by any person referred to in such subsection (d), shall contain pertinent factual material and shall conform to regulations prescribed by the Commission. The Commission, if it determines there is reasonable justification for the complaint, shall conduct an investigation of the matter, including an investigation of reports and statements filed by the complainant with respect to the matter which is the subject of the complaint. The Commission shall afford to the person who is the subject of the complaint due notice and, if it determines that there is substantial reason to believe that such violation has occurred or is about to occur, opportunity for all parties to participate in a hearing before the Commission. The Commission shall issue a written decision on each complaint under this subsection not later than thirty days after such a complaint has been filed or, if a hearing is held, not later than thirty days after the conclusion of such hearing. Such decision shall be based on written findings of fact in the case by the Commission. Such findings of fact by the Commission on which its decision is based are binding and conclusive for all judicial and administrative purposes, including purposes of any judicial challenge or review. Any judicial review of such decision, if ordered on any ground, shall be limited to matters of law. If the Commission finds in its written decision, that a serious and willful violation has occurred or is about to occur, it may refer such decision to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the House of Representatives for appropriate action and enforcement by the committee concerned in accordance with applicable rules and precedents of the House and such other standards as may be prescribed by such committee. In the case of a former Member of the House or a former Member-elect, a former Resident Commissioner or Delegate or Resident Commissioner-elect or Delegate-elect, any surviving spouse of any of the foregoing (or any individual designated by the Clerk of the House under section 3218 of title 39), or any other former House official, if the Commission finds in its written decision that any serious and willful violation has occurred or is about to occur, then the Commission may refer the matter to any appropriate law enforcement agency or official for appropriate remedial action. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no court or administrative body in the United States or in any territory thereof shall have jurisdiction to entertain any civil action of any character concerning or related to a violation of the franking laws or an abuse of the franking privilege by any person listed under subsection (d) of this section as entitled to send mail as franked mail, except judicial review of the decisions of the Commission under this subsection. The Commission shall prescribe regulations for the holding of investigations and hearings, the conduct of proceedings, and the rendering of decisions under this subsection providing for equitable procedures and the protection of individual, public, and Government interests. The regulations shall, insofar as practicable, contain the substance of the administrative procedure provisions of sections 551–559, and 701–706, of title 5. These regulations shall govern matters under this subsection subject to judicial review thereof.
The Commission may sit and act at such places and times during the sessions, recesses, and adjourned periods of Congress, require by subpena or otherwise the attendance of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, administer such oaths and affirmations, take such testimony, procure such printing and binding, and make such expenditures, as the Commission considers advisable. The Commission may make such rules respecting its organization and procedures as it considers necessary, except that no action shall be taken by the Commission unless a majority of the Commission assent. Subpenas may be issued over the signature of the Chairman of the Commission or of any member designated by him or by the Commission, and may be served by such person or persons as may be designated by such Chairman or member. The Chairman of the Commission or any member thereof may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses.
The Commission shall keep a complete record of all its actions, including a record of the votes on any question on which a record vote is demanded. All records, data, and files of the Commission shall be the property of the Commission and shall be kept in the offices of the Commission or such other places as the Commission may direct.
1981—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–69, §7(a)(1), (b), inserted references to Federal laws (other than laws which impose criminal penalties), to rules of the House of Representatives relating to franked mail, to former Members of the House of Representatives or Members-elect, Resident Commissioners or Resident Commissioners-elect, Delegates or Delegates-elect, and former House officials, and to individuals designated by the Clerk of the House under section 3218 of title 39.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–69, §7(a)(2), (c), inserted reference to Federal laws that do not include criminal penalties or rules of the House of Representatives relating to franked mail and inserted provision that, in the case of a former Member of the House or a former Member-elect, a former Resident Commissioner or Delegate or Resident Commissioner-elect or Delegate-elect, any surviving spouse of any of the foregoing (or any individual designated by the Clerk of the House under section 3218 of title 39), or any other former House official, if the Commission finds in its written decision that any serious and willful violation has occurred or is about to occur, then the Commission may refer the matter to any appropriate law enforcement agency or official for appropriate remedial action.
1974—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–255 inserted reference to section 3219 of title 39.
Section effective Dec. 18, 1973, see section 14 of Pub. L. 93–191, set out as an Effective Date of 1973 Amendment note under section 3210 of Title 39, Postal Service.
Committee on Post Office and Civil Service of House of Representatives abolished by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995. References to Committee on Post Office and Civil Service with respect to House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards treated as referring to Committee on House Oversight, see section 1(b) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of this title. Committee on House Oversight of House of Representatives changed to Committee on House Administration of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 6, 1999.
The Select Committee on Standards and Conduct of the Senate shall provide guidance, assistance, advice and counsel, through advisory opinions or consultations, in connection with the mailing or contemplated mailing of franked mail under section 3210, 3211, 3212, 3213(2), 3218, or 3219, and in connection with the operation of section 3215, of title 39, upon the request of any Member of the Senate or Member-elect, surviving spouse of any of the foregoing, or other Senate official, entitled to send mail as franked mail under any of those sections. The select committee shall prescribe regulations governing the proper use of the franking privilege under those sections by such persons.
Any complaint filed by any person with the select committee that a violation of any section of title 39 referred to in subsection (a) of this section is about to occur or has occurred within the immediately preceding period of one year, by any person referred to in such subsection (a), shall contain pertinent factual material and shall conform to regulations prescribed by the select committee. The select committee, if it determines there is reasonable justification for the complaint, shall conduct an investigation of the matter, including an investigation of reports and statements filed by the complainant with respect to the matter which is the subject of the complaint. The committee shall afford to the person who is the subject of the complaint due notice and, if it determines that there is substantial reason to believe that such violation has occurred or is about to occur, opportunity for all parties to participate in a hearing before the select committee. The select committee shall issue a written decision on each complaint under this subsection not later than thirty days after such a complaint has been filed or, if a hearing is held, not later than thirty days after the conclusion of such hearing. Such decision shall be based on written findings of fact in the case by the select committee. If the select committee finds, in its written decision, that a violation has occurred or is about to occur, the committee may take such action and enforcement as it considers appropriate in accordance with applicable rules, precedents, and standing orders of the Senate, and such other standards as may be prescribed by such committee.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no court or administrative body in the United States or in any territory thereof shall have jurisdiction to entertain any civil action of any character concerning or related to a violation of the franking laws or an abuse of the franking privilege by any person listed under subsection (a) of this section as entitled to send mail as franked mail, until a complaint has been filed with the select committee and the committee has rendered a decision under subsection (b) of this section.
The select committee shall prescribe regulations for the holding of investigations and hearings, the conduct of proceedings, and the rendering of decisions under this subsection providing for equitable procedures and the protection of individual, public, and Government interests. The regulations shall, insofar as practicable, contain the substance of the administrative procedure provisions of sections 551 to 559 and 701 to 706, of title 5. These regulations shall govern matters under this subsection subject to judicial review thereof.
The select committee shall keep a complete record of all its actions, including a record of the votes on any question on which a record vote is demanded. All records, data, and files of the select committee shall be the property of the Senate and shall be kept in the offices of the select committee or such other places as the committee may direct.
1974—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 93–255 inserted reference to section 3219 of title 39.
(3) with respect to the House of Representatives, that in addition to any other report or information made available to the public (through the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards or otherwise) regarding the use of the frank, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives shall include in the quarterly report of receipts and expenditures submitted to the House of Representatives a statement (based solely on data provided for that purpose by the Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives and the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards) of costs incurred for official mail by each person entitled to use the congressional frank.
(3) may not carry or deliver official mail the cost of which is in excess of an allocation under subsection (a)(2).
(2) may not be supplemented by funds from any other source, public or private.
(3) any other funds that are not specifically appropriated for official expenses.
(B) by the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards, with respect to matters under section 3210(a)(6)(D) of title 39.
(B) with respect to any other person entitled to use the congressional frank in the House of Representatives (including any Member of the House of Representatives who receives an allocation under subsection (a)(2) with respect to duties as an elected officer of, or holder of another position in, the House of Representatives), shall be available, in a session of Congress, in a total amount determined under paragraph (1)(A).
(2) the term "person entitled to use the congressional frank" means a Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, or other person authorized to use the frank under section 3210(b) of title 39.
2003—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–83, in introductory provisions, struck out "in the House, or official expenses" after "defray official expenses" and "in the Senate" after "(excluding handheld communications devices)".
2001—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–68, in introductory provisions, inserted "in the House, or official expenses for franked mail, employee salaries, office space, furniture, or equipment and any associated information technology services (excluding handheld communications devices) in the Senate" after "expenses".
1999—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 106–57, §103(a)(4)(B), substituted "costs incurred for official mail by" for "costs charged against the Official Mail Allowance for".
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 106–19 substituted "any person with an allocation under subsection (a)(2)(A) as to the amount that has been used and any person with an allocation under subsection (a)(2)(B)" for "any person with an allocation under subsection (a)(2)".
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 106–57, §103(a)(1)(A), in introductory provisions, substituted "The use of funds of the House of Representatives which are made available for official mail of Members, officers, and employees of the House of Representatives who are persons entitled to use the congressional frank shall be governed by regulations promulgated—" for "There is established in the House of Representatives an Official Mail Allowance for Members, officers, and employees of the House of Representatives who are persons entitled to use the congressional frank. Regulations for use of the Official Mail Allowance shall be prescribed—".
Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 106–57, §103(a)(1)(B), substituted "official mail (except as provided in subparagraph (B))" for "the Allowance".
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 106–57, §103(a)(2)(A), substituted "Funds used for official mail—" for "The Official Mail Allowance—" in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 106–57, §102, made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 105–275, §104(a). See 1998 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (e)(2)(A) to (C). Pub. L. 106–57, §103(a)(2)(B), (C), redesignated subpars. (B) and (C) as (A) and (B), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "shall be available for postage for franked mail sent at a first class, third class, or fourth class rate;".
"(3)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), each Member of the House of Representatives may transfer amounts from the Members' Representational Allowance of the Member to the Official Mail Allowance of the Member.
"(B) The total amount a Member may so transfer with respect to a session of Congress may not exceed $25,000."
1998—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 105–275, §104(a), as amended by Pub. L. 106–57, §102, inserted "and" at end of subpar. (B), substituted a period for "; and" at end of subpar. (C), and struck out subpar. (D) which read as follows: "shall not be available for payment of any nonpostage fee or charge, including any fee or charge for express mail, express mail drop shipment, certified mail, registered mail, return receipt, address correction, or postal insurance."
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 105–275, §104(b), struck out par. (4) which read as follows: "The Members' Representational Allowance shall be available to a Member of the House of Representatives for the payment of nonpostage fees and charges referred to in paragraph (2)(D) and for postage for mail for official business sent outside the United States."
1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–186, §203(22)(B)(i), substituted "House Oversight" for "House Administration" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 104–186, §203(22)(A), (B)(ii), substituted "Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives" for "Clerk of the House of Representatives" and "House Oversight" for "House Administration".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–186, §203(22)(B)(iii), substituted "House Oversight" for "House Administration" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 104–186, §203(22)(B)(iv), substituted "House Oversight" for "House Administration".
Subsec. (e)(2)(A). Pub. L. 104–186, §203(22)(B)(v), struck out "only" after "available".
Subsec. (e)(3)(A). Pub. L. 104–186, §203(22)(B)(vi), substituted "Members' Representational Allowance" for "Official Expenses Allowance and the Clerk Hire Allowance".
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 104–186, §203(22)(B)(vii), substituted "Members' Representational Allowance" for "Official Expenses Allowance".
1991—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–229 substituted "beginning on May 1, 1992," for "with respect to sessions of Congress beginning with the second session of the One Hundred Second Congress,".
Pub. L. 108–83, title I, §105(b), Sept. 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 1018, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2004 and each succeeding fiscal year."
Pub. L. 106–19, §1(b), Apr. 8, 1999, 113 Stat. 29, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to January 1999 and each succeeding month."
Two weeks after the close of each calendar quarter, or as soon as practicable thereafter, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate shall send to each Senate office a statement of the cost of postage and paper and of the other operating expenses incurred as a result of mass mailings processed for such Senate office during such quarter. The statement shall separately identify the cost of postage and paper and other costs, and shall distinguish the costs attributable to newsletters and all other mass mailings. The statement shall also include the total cost per capita in the State. A compilation of all such statements shall be sent to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. A summary tabulation of such information shall be published quarterly in the Congressional Record and included in the semiannual report of the Secretary of the Senate. Such summary tabulation shall set forth for each Senate office the following information: the Senate office's name, the total number of pieces of mass mail mailed during the quarter, the total cost of such mail, and, in the case of Senators, the cost of such mail divided by the total population of the State from which the Senator was elected, and the total number of pieces of mass mail divided by the total population of the State from which the Senator was elected, and in the case of each Senator, the allocation made to such Senator from the appropriation for official mail expenses.
Section was formerly classified to section 59f of this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
1994—Pub. L. 103–283 inserted before period at end ", and in the case of each Senator, the allocation made to such Senator from the appropriation for official mail expenses".
"(2) appropriations made and obligations incurred on and after such date."
In fiscal year 1991 and thereafter, when a Senator disseminates information under the frank by a mass mailing (as defined in section 3210(a)(6)(E) of title 39), the Senator shall register quarterly with the Secretary of the Senate such mass mailings. Such registration shall be made by filing with the Secretary a copy of the matter mailed and providing, on a form supplied by the Secretary, a description of the group or groups of persons to whom the mass mailing was mailed and the number of pieces mailed.
Section was formerly classified to section 59g of this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
Each mass mailing sent by a Member of the House of Representatives shall bear in a prominent place on its face, or on the envelope or outside cover or wrapper in which the mail matter is sent, the following notice: "this mailing was prepared, published, and mailed at taxpayer expense.", or a notice to the same effect in words which may be prescribed under subsection (c). The notice shall be printed in a type size not smaller than 7-point.
(1) There shall be published in the itemized report of disbursements of the House of Representatives as required by law, a summary tabulation setting forth, for the office of each Member of the House of Representatives, the total number of pieces of mass mail mailed during the period involved and the total cost of those mass mailings.
(B) the total number of pieces of mass mail (as referred to in paragraph (1)) divided by the number (as determined by the Postmaster General) of addresses (other than business possible delivery stops) in the Congressional district from which the Member was elected (as such addresses are described in section 3210(d)(7)(B) of title 39).
The Committee on House Oversight shall prescribe such rules and regulations and shall take such other action as the Committee considers necessary and proper for Members to conform to the provisions of this subsection and applicable rules and regulations.
(2) the term "mass mailing" has the meaning given such term by section 3210(a)(6)(E) of title 39.
This section shall apply with respect to sessions of Congress beginning after September 16, 1996.
Section was formerly classified to section 59h of this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.
Section is from the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997.

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