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. Always consult your employing office and the Committee on Ethics before engaging in outside employment. House Members and officers and employees paid at or above a “senior staff rate” have enhanced employment restrictions. Click on the subsections below for more information about specific outside employment issues.

For additional information or assistance with specific questions, contact the Committee’s Office of Advice and Education.

Guidance on Outside Employment

We encourage House Members, officers, and employees to seek Committee guidance when considering employment in addition to or following their House career, as a number of restrictions and reporting requirements apply.  For example, Members, officers, and employees may not use their official position for personal gain, accept honoraria (payment for a speech, article, or appearance) in certain circumstances, or represent others before the federal government.  Members and senior staff have additional restrictions on the types of paid outside employment they may have and are limited in the amount of earned income they may receive annually from all outside employment.  Members and staff paid at the post-employment rate have additional requirements and restrictions when leaving House employment.

Go To Outside Employment Guidance

FAQs About Outside Employment

Below are answers to some common questions about outside employment.

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Outside Employment Forms

House Members, officers, and staff may need Committee pre-approval to engage in certain types of outside employment or business activities like teaching and publishing.  House Members and officers and staff paid above a “post-employment” rate may also be required to file forms with the Committee when negotiating for post-House employment.  Please consult the Committee before filing these forms.

Outside Employment Forms

Outside Employment Pink Sheets

On occasion, the Committee issues public guidance (called “pink sheets”) to summarize, clarify, update, or revise its outside employment guidance.

Outside Employment Pink Sheets