Ethics Topics

House Members, officers, and employees are subject to specific laws and regulations regarding the acceptance of gifts, including gifts from other House Members and employees and from outside sources.

House Members and employees often receive invitations to travel, both in their official and personal capacities. Except as the House Gift Rule otherwise provides, such travel expenses are a gift to the Member, officer, or employee.

A wide range of standards affect whether, how, when, and where Members, officers, and employees of the House may engage in campaign activities. Those standards include House Rules, rules promulgated by the Committee on House Administration and the Communications Standards Commission, federal statutes, and federal regulations.

Title I of the Ethics in Government Act requires Members, Officers, certain employees of the U.S. House of Representatives and related offices, and candidates for the House to file Financial Disclosure Reports with the Clerk of the House.

Members, officers, and employees may work outside of the House, subject to certain restrictions found in federal law, the House Rules, ethical standards, and individual office policies.

Members and employees of the House often interact with various groups and organizations both in and outside of the House. When working with an outside entity, determining who will produce an event, communication, or any other product is key to determining what is permissible.

The Committee also advises on many other topics, including general ethical standards, staff rights and duties, casework, and official allowances.