June 17, 2004

 

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL MEMBERS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES

 

FROM:           Committee on Standards of Official Conduct

                           Joel Hefley, Chairman

                           Alan B. Mollohan, Ranking Minority Member

 

SUBJECT:     Rules and Standards Relating to Member and Staff Activities at the National Political Conventions

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            Last month the Committee issued two items on the rules and standards relating to Member and staff activities at the national political conventions later this year, and we wanted to make certain that these have come to your attention.  Copies of these two items are attached.

 

            One of the items is a statement that addresses reports that have appeared in the news media asserting that the Committee has “cleared” House Members to raise funds for charitable organizations during the conventions.  The Committee statement makes clear that those reports are not correct.  The Committee has issued no such approval for Member charitable fundraising during the conventions, and any Member considering such activity should first contact the Committee for guidance.

 

            The other item is a Dear Colleague letter that summarizes the key provisions of the House gift rule that apply in the context of the conventions.

 

            Any questions on these matters should be directed to the Committee’s Office of Advice and Education at extension 5-7103.