[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 78 (Thursday, May 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1013-E1014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     FRANKING REDUCTION ACT OF 1995

                                 ______


                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 1995
  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce the Franking 
Reduction Act of 1995, legislation that is necessary if we are to truly 
reform this House. The bloated franking budget has become nothing more 
than a blatantly abused political advertising slush fund, and it has 
got to stop. My bill, which has received bipartisan support, would 
slash the $31 million franking budget in half.
  The past 100 days have seen the passage of several substantial in-
House reforms, proving to the American people our commitment to real 
change. The American people are getting the message that real change is 
finally happening here in Washington, which is precisely 
[[Page E1014]] why we can't stop now. We need to continue to pass 
legislation consistent with our promise of reform to the American 
people.
  To keep the spirit of reform moving, I urge my colleagues to join me 
in some spring House cleaning. The frank has grown from a tool to 
inform and educate constituents about legislative issues into a 
campaign advertisement to promote personal and political agendas. We 
need to restore credibility to the franking process by making Members 
accountable for the costs they incur.
  Not only will my bill cut franking by 50 percent, but it also 
requires monthly statements of costs charged to each Member's account 
to be made available to the public. This bill will apply to sessions of 
Congress beginning after the date of enactment.
  The bloated franking budget can be cut without damaging the ability 
of Members to communicate with their constituents. In the 103rd 
Congress, I used less than 50 percent of my franking budget, without 
impairing my ability to effectively correspond with my constituents. It 
is a common misnomer that a reduction in franking affects a Member's 
performance. Rather, it forces Members to use their mail budget solely 
to inform and educate.
  Mr. Speaker, I think we can all agree that bringing an end to 
franking abuse is long overdue. Cutting the franking budget by 50 
percent will restore the original intent of the frank while following 
through with our promise of continued congressional reform. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.


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