INTRODUCTION The purpose of this manual is to provide Members and employees of the House of Representatives with a reference to the major standards of conduct, rules, regulations and statutes which are applicable to Members of Congress and to activities of House staffers, and to some questions which may be encountered in engaging in those duties or activities. The manual will provide a highlighting and a brief discussion of selected ethical and conflict of interest provisions applicable to the subject matter covered, and will refer to relevant decisions and opinions in that area. This publication is intended as an overview and a reference tool, and not as an all-inclusive compilation of ethical or conflict provisions, nor an exhaustive study of points and authorities in the areas discussed. Employees of the House are advised to note and consider any general practice or specific rules of conduct of their employing office or committee, and to seek assistance on questions of ethical conduct from appropriate supervisory personnel. Opinions and advice on conflicts of interest and in the general area of congressional ethics may be requested by Members or employees from the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Questions concerning regulations on official allowances, expenses, official employment and compensation matters specifically, for example, might be directed to the House Administration Committee or the Office of the Clerk of the House, as appropriate. Specific questions on the frankability of mail matter may be directed to, and advisory opinions on these matters sought from, the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards. Inquiries relative to certain prohibited nongovernmental activities. in House office buildings may be directed to the House Office Building Commission. The manual was prepared and written by Jack Maskell, legislative attorney, American Law Division of the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress. Members and employees are cautioned that the laws, rules, or standards of conduct upon which this manual is based, are subject to change, and notice of any such change should be taken. (III) CONTENTS Conduct Reflecting Creditably on the House_ The Spirit and Letter of House Rules..-- Refraining from Congressional Activity After Conviction. Code of Ethics for Government Service__. Rules of Supervisors, Committees, Members and Officers- Chapter 4. COMMUNICATIONS TO ADMINISTRATIVE AGEN- CIES ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENTS, INCLUD- Recommendations for Employment in the Competitive Recommendations for Employment in the Postal Service. Financial Disclosure_ 58 Blind Trusts___ Campaign Activities by House Employees; Use of Con- gressional Staff on Campaigns_. House Rule XLIII, the "Code of Official Conduct". House Rule XLV, Prohibition on Unofficial Office Accounts.. House Rule XLVI, Limitations on the Use of the Frank. House Rule XLVII, Limitations on Outside Earned Income. House Rule VIII, section 1, Duties Of the Members... 2. Regulations of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct-Regulations for the Acceptance of Decorations and Gifts, Including Travel or Expenses for Travel, by Members, Officers, or Employees of the House of Representatives from Advisory Opinion No. 1, On the Role of a Member of the Advisory Opinion No. 3, On the Subject of Foreign Travel by 134 Texts of Selected Rules, Regulations, Opinions and Statutes Relating to 3. Advisory Opinions of the House Committee on Standards of Advisory Opinion No. 4, On the Propriety of Accepting Certain Nonpaid Transportation--- 4. Advisory Opinions of the Select Committee on Ethics, U.S. House 5. Code of Ethics for Government Service, 72 Stat Part 2, B12.... 6.12 U.S.C. § 86 (division of salaries) - 7. 2 U.S.C. & 87 (subletting duties). 8. 2 U.S.C. § 101 (subletting duties) 9. 2 U.S.C. § 441i (honoraria limits) 18 U.S.C. § 204 (practice in Court of Claims by Members). 18. 18 U.S.C. § 205 (representation in matters affecting the Govern- 19. 18 U.S.C. § 211 (solicitations to obtain public office). 20. 18 U.S.C. § 286 (conspiracy to defraud the United States) 27. 18 U.S.C. § 601 (deprivation of employment for political activity)- 30. 18 U.S.C. § 604 (solicitation from persons on relief). 31. 18 U.S.C. § 605 (disclosure of names of persons on relief). 22. 18 U.S.C. §§ 431-433 (contracting with Federal Government, ex- 23. 18 U.S.C. § 597 (expenditures to influence voting). 24. 18 U.S.C. § 598 (coercion by means of relief appropriations). 25. 18 U.S.C. § 599 (promise of appointment by candidate).. 26. 18 U.S.C. $ 600 (promise of employment for political activity) – 28. 18 U.S.C. § 602 (solicitations from Federal employees)-- 32. 18 U.S.C. § 606 (intimidation to secure political contributions) - 33. 18 U.S.C. § 607 (making political contributions by Federal em- |