Permissible through Franking Regs - Content and Types of broadcast, online, and print ads

Issues: Franking

 

Ordinary and necessary expenses related only to the following types of advertisements are reimbursable:

1.   Personal appearance of the Member at an official event, which the Member sponsors and hosts in support of the conduct of the Member's official and representational duties to the district from which elected. 

2.   Notice relating to the nominating process to the U.S. Military Academies.

3.   Notice relating to the Congressional Art Competition, “An Artistic Discovery”.

4.   Notice relating to the House STEM Competition.

5.   Notice of employee and internship openings.

6.   Notice of the address, location, and contact information (including web presence), and email for the Member’s congressional offices.

7.   Notice of town hall meetings (physical and virtual).

8.   Notice of the constituent services available through the Member’s congressional office(s) including, but not limited to:

  •  Assistance in contacting and working with federal, state, or local agencies e.g., casework;
  •  Information regarding visiting the U.S. Capitol & available congressional tours;
  • How to request a presidential greeting or congressional acknowledgement e.g. citizenship, public distinction, community service;
  • How to participate in a survey related to the Member’s official and representational duties;
  • 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).

Advertisements will be subject to review by the Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards [Franking Commission] for an Advisory Opinion prior to distribution.  In the cases of online advertisements, all embedded links and landing pages are subject to review.  

Other relevant Member Handbook and Franking regulations continue to apply:

Advertisements may not include a picture or likeness of the Member

The FCC disclaimer is only required for radio and TV advertisements. Members must disclose, within the text of a television, and radio, the source of payment for the official advertisements. Members may use any of the following:

  1. "Paid for with official funds from the office of [Member's name]."
  2. "Paid for by the funds authorized by the House of Representatives for the [district number] District of [name of state]."
  3. "Paid for by official funds authorized by the House of Representatives."

 Advertisements are subject to Franking blackout dates except in cases of the Congressional Art Competition, the House STEM Competition, Military Academy nominations, employment listings, and information in the event of a disaster.