The regulations governing the use of the Members’ Representational Allowance (MRA) authorize Members to lease in their district a vehicle to support the conduct of their official and representational duties. The term of the lease cannot exceed Members’ current congressional term. Therefore, leases are for a two-year period, which increases the monthly payment.

According to Public Law 110-140, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, any vehicle leased must be identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a low greenhouse gas emitting vehicle. The Office of the Administrative Counsel (OAC) reviews and approves all leases to ensure they are in compliance with federal law and House rules and regulations.

Members must pick a vehicle from an approved list, of which many are foreign manufactured. I am a proud supporter of the American automobile industry. I selected a FlexFuel 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. This vehicle is manufactured by General Motors, which is headquartered in the 13th Congressional District. It is made by the hard-working men and women of the United Auto Workers (UAW).

All official expenditures, including payments for the lease of vehicles, are listed quarterly in the Statement of Disbursements on the U.S. House of Representatives Web site.