[20070822]RS22710_国会印花税特权：概述.pdf

1 Post Office Act, 12 Charles II (1660).2 Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, ed. Worthington C. Ford et al. (Washington,D.C., 1904-37), 3:342.Order Code RS22710August 22, 2007Congressional Franking Privilege: An OverviewMatthew E. GlassmanAnalyst in American National GovernmentGovernment and Finance DivisionSummaryThe congressional franking privilege, which dates from 1775, allows Members tosend official mail to their constituents at government expense. Congress, throughlegislative branch appropriations, reimburses the U.S. Postal Service for the frankedmail it handles. Use of the frank is regulated by federal law, House and Senate rules,and committee regulations. Reform efforts during the past 20 years have reducedoverall franking expenditures by almost 70%, from $113.4 million in FY1988 to $34.3million in FY2006 (current dollars). This report provides an overview of thecongressional franking privilege, its costs, and regulations on Member use of the frank.It will be updated as legislative action occurs. BackgroundThe franking privilege, which allows Members of Congress to send official mail atgovernment expense, has its roots in 17th century Great Britain; the Briti