A bill to amend the provisions of title 39, United States Code, relating to the use of the frank, and for other purposes.

Summary

Repeals the provision of Federal law which allows a Member of Congress to send matter expressing condolences or congratulations as franked mail. Prohibits a Member or Member-elect from sending as franked mail any mass mailing which includes laudatory text concerning a Member or Member-elect unless such text is incidental to, and does not comprise a substantial portion of, the mailed item. Extends from 28 to 60 days the period of time before an election during which a Member may not, consistent with the policy of Congress, use his or her mail franking privileges if such Member is a candidate for re-election in such election. Declares that the use of such franking privilege for mass mailing outside of a Member's or Member-elect's home district is not within the policy of Congress if such person is a candidate for any other office. Requires franked mail to be sent by the most economical means. Limits the number of pieces of franked mail sent to six times the number of addresses to which such mail may be delivered under existing law. Requires Members of, or Members-elect to, the House of Representatives to submit mail, which is intended to be sent as franked mail under provisions allowing a simplified form of address, to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission") for an advisory opinion as to whether such proposed mailing is in compliance with such provisions. Prohibits a Member or Member-elect from sending as franked mail any mail for which the printing costs are not paid from funds appropriated by Congress. Extends to surviving relatives the franking privilege of the spouse of a Member of Congress who died in office in the event there is no surviving spouse (such privilege covering only mail relating to the death of such Member mailed within 180 days of death). Expands the authority of the Commission to cover advisory opinions involving any non-criminal law regarding franked mail. Authorizes the Commission to issue regulations or investigate franking privilege violations in connection with any other Federal law (other than criminal statutes) or in connection with any rule of the House relating to franked mail. Extends the Commission's jurisdiction over franking violations to include complaints against former Members and officers of the House.

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Documents

3 official files

• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 9 October 1979

  Open at official source

• Reported to House with amendment(s)

  summary · EN · 18 June 1979

  Open at official source

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 26 April 1979

  Open at official source

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