[20031124]RS20720_国会邮件：邮戳特权的历史和更改选项.pdf

1 The Members signature, called the “frank,” appears in place of a postage stamp or a meteredmail mark in the upper right-hand corner of the envelope containing official mail from thatMember. This signature is recognized by the U. S. Postal Service as the equivalent cost of apostage stamp for that piece and rate of mail. John Pontius, “Franking,” in The Encyclopedia ofthe United States Congress, 4 vols. (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1995), vol. 2, pp. 883-888.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20720Updated November 24, 2003Congressional Mail: History of the FrankingPrivilege and Options for ChangeJohn S. PontiusSpecialist in American National GovernmentGovernment and Finance DivisionSummaryThe congressional franking privilege allows Members of Congress to send officialmail at government expense. This report provides a history of official congressional mailsent at government expense (franking privilege), a description of its costs, distributionof franking funds, criticism and defense of franking, past franking reforms, andconsiderations for possible future franking reform. This report will be updated