FAQs

It depends. Just because a lobbyist provides a gift does not necessarily mean it may not be accepted. A Because a Member, officer, or employee
may not accept any gift, except as the Gift Rule specifically provides, unless a gift falls into one of the categories of permissible gifts, it may not be accepted. Some examples of gifts that might be permissible include gifts of nominal value or offers of free attendance to events. The Gift Rule also explicitly prohibits the following gifts:

• “Anything provided by a registered lobbyist or an agent of a foreign principal to an entity that is maintained or controlled by a
Member, . . . officer, or employee of the House.” (House Rule 25, clause 5(e)(1));

• “A charitable contribution (as defined in section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) made by a registered lobbyist or an
agent of a foreign principal on the basis of a designation, recommendation, or other specification of a Member, . . . officer, or
employee of the House (not including a mass mailing or other solicitation directed to a broad category of persons or entities), other
than a charitable contribution [made in lieu of an honorarium].” (Id., clause 5(e)(2));

• “A contribution or other payment by a registered lobbyist or an agent of a foreign principal to a legal expense fund established for
the benefit of a Member, . . . officer, or employee of the House.” (Id., clause 5(e)(3)); and

• “A financial contribution or expenditure made by a registered lobbyist or an agent of a foreign principal relating to a conference,
retreat, or similar event, sponsored by or affiliated with an official congressional organization, for or on behalf of Members, . . .
officers, or employees of the House.” (Id., clause 5(e)(4)).

Yes, you may attend a reception hosted by a corporation. At receptions, House Members and employees may generally accept “food or refreshment of a nominal value offered other than as part of a meal.” This provision is interpreted to permit House Members and employees to accept free attendance at receptions when the fare will consist of reasonable hors d’oeuvres and refreshments and not a full meal.

Maybe. The lunch must meet the criteria of a Gift Rule exception. For example, under the Gift Rule exception for gifts worth less than $50, if the sponsor is not a registered lobbyist or foreign agent and does not employ or retain such a person, then you may generally accept a gift, including a meal, valued at less than $50. Keep in mind that total gifts received from a single donor valued at $100 or more in a single calendar year are prohibited under this exception. If the sponsor employs or retains a lobbyist, free attendance may still be acceptable, for example if the event qualifies as a “widely-attended event.”

Maybe. The Committee does not pre-approve events for event sponsors. The Gift Rule permits House Members and employees to accept an invitation of free attendance at “widely-attended events” from the event sponsor. . In short, to accept free attendance, the event must (1) have at least 25 non-Hill attendees; (2) be open to the public or to a wide range of individuals; (3) be connected to one’s House duties.

The Committee values a ticket to a sporting event or other a concert as the face value of the ticket. However, if the ticket does not have a price printed on it, then the fair market value is the highest priced ticket for that event, in that venue, on the primary market.

No. The only gifts House Members and staff may accept as a thank you for performing official duties are home baked goods, flowers, decorative items, or items that qualify as gifts of nominal value under the Gift Rule.

No. Even if a trip sponsor would be happy to have you attend, you may not ask to attend privately-sponsored travel. Similarly, if you were invited on a trip, you may not ask a sponsor whether there is a spot for your colleague who was not invited. Asking the trip sponsor for an invitation for yourself or others violates the Anti-Solicitation Statute.