[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 14 (Thursday, February 6, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO END THE ABUSE OF THE FRANKING PRIVILEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RAY LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 6, 1997

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, last year I introduced H.R. 1137, a bill 
that ends the most pervasive abuse of the frank--sending out 
unsolicited, self-promotional mass mailings. My bill specifically 
targets this abuse. it would crack down on mass mailings harder than 
any other legislation currently under consideration. The current, 
increased interest in reforming the way campaigns are conducted only 
increases the relevance and importance of this bill.
  Title 39 of the U.S. Code defines the types of mailings that are 
frankable. Included in this definition are the ``usual and customary'' 
congressional newsletter, press release, or questionnaire. The 
legislation I am reintroducing would simply strike mailings of this 
type from the code, thereby disallowing future use of the frank for 
these purposes.
  Other franking reform proposals have centered around dangerous 
numbers games that leave open the possibility of abuse. Rather than try 
to settle on some arbitrary formula, my legislation will get to the 
heart of the problem. Reducing the definition of mass from 500 to 100, 
or debating whether the franking allowance should be reduced by 50 
percent or 33 percent misses the mark. The problem that needs to be 
addressed is use of the frank as a campaign tool whose real information 
purpose is to make constituents aware of how deserving we are of 
reelection.
  I urge my colleagues to consider cosponsoring this important piece of 
legislation.

                          ____________________