Congressional Franking Privilege: An Overview (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised Dec. 3, 2007 |
| Report Number |
RS22710 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Matthew E. Glassman, Government and Finance Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Premium Aug. 22, 2007 (3 pages, $24.95)
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Summary:
The congressional franking privilege, which dates from 1775, allows Members tosend official mail to their constituents at government expense. Congress, throughlegislative branch appropriations, reimburses the U.S. Postal Service for the frankedmail 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 reducedoverall franking expenditures by almost 70%, from $113.4 million in FY1988 to $34.3million in FY2006 (current dollars). This report provides an overview of thecongressional franking privilege, its costs, and regulations on Member use of the frank.
