The Committee also advises on many other topics, including general ethical standards, staff rights and duties, casework, and official allowances.
For additional information or assistance with specific questions, contact the Committee’s Office of Advice and Education.
Members, officers, and employees must conduct themselves at all times in a manner that reflects creditably upon the House, abide by the letter and the spirit of the House Rules, and adhere to the broad ethical standards expressed in the Code of Ethics for Government Service. Members, officers, and employees should not use their offices for private gain, nor attempt to circumvent any House Rule or standard of conduct.
The House has adopted specific rules and regulations governing employment relationships within the legislative branch. Additionally, the Congressional Accountability Act applies a number of statutory rights and protections to employees of the legislative branch. House Employees are paid from U.S. Treasury funds to perform public duties, but not non-official, personal, or campaign duties while on House time. House offices may not retain staff who do not perform official duties commensurate with their compensation.
Below is a link to answers to some common questions about staff rights and duties.
FAQs About Staff Rights and Duties
On occasion, the Committee issues public guidance (called “pink sheets”) to summarize, clarify, update, or revise its guidance on staff rights and duties.
An important aspect of a Member’s representational duties is to act as a “go-between” or conduit between the Member’s constituents and federal administrative agencies. Members must treat all constituents equally; considerations such as political support or involvement may not affect a Member’s decision to provide assistance or the quality of that assistance.
Below are answers to some common questions about casework.
Members receive a Members’ Representational Allowance (MRA) to support their official and representational duties. MRA use is governed by the Committee on House Administration. A Member’s Franking privileges are governed by the Communications Standards Commission. Members may not maintain unofficial office accounts to support official activities.
Below are answers to some common questions about official allowances.
FAQs About Official Allowances
On occasion, the Committee issues public guidance (called “pink sheets”) to summarize, clarify, update, or revise its guidance on official allowances.
