[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 19 (Tuesday, January 31, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                HOLDEN REINTRODUCES FRANKING LEGISLATION

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                            HON. TIM HOLDEN

                             of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 31, 1995
  Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to reintroduce in the 104th 
Congress legislation to reduce the amount of money Members are able to 
spend on franked mailings.
  Mr. Speaker, the American people are demanding that Congress show 
leadership in reducing some of its expenses. I constantly speak to 
constituents who tell me they want to see spending cuts by the Federal 
Government. For that reason, today I am introducing a bill that cuts 
each Member's franking allowance by 20 percent as a way to show such 
willingness on our part. This legislation illustrates the commitment of 
Members of Congress for cutting legislative branch spending.
  My bill is simple: the factor used to determine each Member's 
franking allotment will be reduced from a factor of 3 to a factor of 
2.4, a 20 percent reduction. This bill will not eliminate the 
flexibility in the Legislative Appropriations Act which accommodates 
each Member's particular costs of mailing--geography, population 
density, etc.
  If we are calling on Americans to sacrifice then Congress, too, must 
lead by example. A 20 percent cut will not impinge on any Member's 
ability to communicate with his constituents in a responsible manner. 
Nor will it stop a Member from using his franking budget in whatever 
manner he or she deems appropriate.
  Mr. Speaker, Congress must cut back and tighten their belts, just as 
we will be asking the American people to make sacrifices as we cut and 
eliminate Federal programs. I want Congress to lead by example, and I 
think this bill puts us squarely on that road.


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