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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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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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