Examples of Frankable Template Content & Means of Distribution

Issues: Franking

Examples of Subject Matter Permissible for Template Requests include but are not limited to: 

  • Assistance in contacting and working with federal, state, or local agencies e.g., casework;
  • Information regarding visiting the Capitol & available Congressional tours;
  • How to request a Presidential greeting or Congressional acknowledgement e.g. citizenship, public distinction, community service;
  • How to request a U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol; and/or
  • How to subscribe to the Member’s e‐communications program(s).
  • Notice of the address, location and contact information (including web presence), and email, for the Member’s Congressional offices.
  • Notice of town hall meetings (physical and virtual).
  • Notice of the constituent services available through the Member’s Congressional office(s) including, but not limited to:
  1. Assistance in contacting and working with federal, state, or local agencies e.g., casework
  2. Information regarding visiting the Capitol & available Congressional tours
  3. How to request a Presidential greeting or Congressional acknowledgement e.g. citizenship, public distinction, community service
  4. How to participate in a survey related to the Member’s official and representational duties
  5. How to request a U.S. flag flown over the U.S. Capitol; and/or
  6. How to subscribe to the Member’s e‐communications program(s).  

Examples of communications eligible to be considered as a Template include but are not limited to:

  • e-mail
  • scripts for automated telephone calls and public service announcements
  • advertisements (newspaper, periodical, radio/TV, web, post-it ads, etc.)
  • posters and flyers
  • newspaper inserts
  • generic post card reprints.

The content of a Template must comply with applicable federal law and House Rules and regulations and clearly identify the Member as the exclusive host/sponsor of the official event.  The primary purpose of the Template must be to give notice of the: 

  • Event itself;
  • Date, time, and location of the event; and
  • Availability of ADA accommodations at the event.

Expenses incurred in support of the printing, production, and/or distribution of a notice prepared using an approved Template should be submitted to the Finance Office for payment on a completed voucher, accompanied by the vendor’s original receipt or invoice, a copy of the Advisory Opinion deeming the corresponding Template frankable (Advisory Certificate with copy of the original notice), and a copy of the notice for which payment is being requested.