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Committee on Standards
of Official Conduct
HT-2, The Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-7103
Fax: 202-225-7392
Office Hours: Mon. - Fri.
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. |
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Gifts
Q. I have been invited to attend a reception hosted by a corporation. Can I attend?
A. House Members and employees may generally accept “food or refreshment of a nominal value offered other than as part of a meal.” This provision is interpreted to permit House Members and staff to accept free attendance at receptions when the fare will consist of reasonable hors d’oeuvres and refreshments and not a full meal. For complete information, see House Ethics Manual, pp. 50-53.
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Q. I have been invited to attend a lunch briefing, and the sponsor will serve a box lunch. Can I accept the lunch?
A. If the sponsor is not a registered lobbyist or foreign agent, and does not employ or retain such a person, then House Members and staff may generally accept a gift, including a meal, valued at less than $50 but no more than $100 in a single calendar year. For complete information, see House Ethics Manual, pp. 34-38. If the sponsor does employ or retain a lobbyist, free attendance may still be acceptable if the event qualifies as a “widely attended event,” below.
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Q. I have been invited to a dinner by a trade association. The trade association says it’s OK under the gift rule because it is a “widely attended event.” Can I attend?
A. The gift rule permits House Members and employees to accept an invitation of free attendance at “widely attended events” from the event sponsor. The requirements of the rule are set forth in detail in the House Ethics Manual, pp. 41-47. In short, to accept free attendance, the event must (1) have at least 25 non-Hill attendees; (2) be open to the public or to a wide range of individuals; and (3) be connected to one’s House duties.
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Travel
Q. I have been invited to participate on a fact-finding trip paid for by a private source. Does the trip have to be reviewed by the Committee on Standards? If so, how do I get the trip approved?
A. Pursuant to changes to the House Rules that occurred at the beginning of the 110th Congress, House Members and staff MUST obtain written Committee approval of privately sponsored travel PRIOR to traveling. To obtain approval, the traveler must submit to the Committee, preferably 30 days in advance of travel, a complete Traveler Form and a Private Sponsor Travel Certification Form filled out by the private sponsor. For complete information, see House Ethics Manual, pp. 88-105
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Q. I have been invited to travel overseas by a foreign government under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (MECEA). Do I have to obtain approval by the Committee on Standards in order to participate? Do I have to file a post-travel disclosure form?
A. House Members and staff may accept travel paid for by a foreign government under MECEA without Committee review. While a post-travel form need not be filed, Members and senior staff must disclose MECEA travel on their annual Financial Disclosure Statement. For complete information, see House Ethics Manual, p 110-11.
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Campaign Activity
Q. Can House staff engage in campaign activity?
A. With the approval of their employing Member, House staff generally may engage in campaign activity outside the House office, on their own time, and not using House resources. Campaign activity by House staff is, however, subject to a number of restrictions which should be carefully reviewed by any House employee wishing to engage in campaign activity. These restrictions are set forth in the House Ethics Manual, pp. 135-151.
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Q. Am I allowed to make a campaign contribution to my employing Member?
A. No. A federal criminal law prohibits House employees from making campaign contributions to their employing Member. Similarly, House employees generally should not make any “outlays” from personal funds for the benefit of the campaign, even if reimbursed by the campaign. For complete information, see House Ethics Manual, pp. 137-40.
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Outside Employment & Income
Q. What is the “senior staff” rate of pay for 2008?
A. $114,468. For complete information, see House Ethics Manual, p. 214.
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Q. What is the 2008 outside earned income limit applicable to Members and senior staff?
A. $25,830. For complete information, see House Ethics Manual, p. 228-33.
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Q.
What are outside earned income limits for prior years?
A. For 2003 the outside earned income was $23,205 for House officers and employees paid at or above the rate of $102,168 for more than 90 days in 2003.
For 2004 the outside earned income was $23,715 for House officers and employees paid at or above the rate of $104,927 for more than 90 days in 2004.
For 2005 the outside earned income was $24,315 for House officers and employees paid at or above the rate of $107,550 for more than 90 days in 2005.
For 2006 the outside earned income was $24,780 for House officers and employees paid at or above the rate of $109,808 for more than 90 days in 2006.
For 2007 the outside earned income was $25,200 for House officers and employees paid at or above the rate of $111,675 for more than 90 days in 2007.
For 2008 the outside earned income is $25, 830 for House officers and employees paid at or above the rate of $114, 468 for more than 90 days in 2008.
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