The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct has appointed a bipartisan working group to assess and make recommendations regarding its process for the review and approval of privately-funded, officially connected travel by House Members, officers, and employees. Committee members Representative Peter Welch and Representative Charles Dent will comprise the working group.
House Rule 25, clause S(i) charges the Committee with undertaking an annual review of its guidelines and regulations regarding such travel. While the Committee has undertaken such a review each year, the Committee determined this year that, based on its three years of experience in managing the travel approval process, a more in-depth review of the process and regulations would result in significant improvements to the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of the travel review process.
The Committee will seek public input during the working group’s review process.