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H.R.3787 / 103rd Congress

To amend the formula for determining the Official Mail Allowance for members of the House of Representatives; to amend the provisions of title 39, United States Code, relating to the franking privilege for Members of Congress and provide that the provisions of law preventing Members from sending mass mailings within the 60-day period immediately before an election be expanded so as to prevent Members from mailing any unsolicited franked mail within that period; and for other purposes.

Referred to the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 3, 1994

Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1991 to revise the formula for the official mail allowance (thus, reducing the amount allowed) for Members of the House of Representatives. Prohibits the transfer of funds appropriated for official mail costs of the House. Prohibits any: (1) Member of Congress from sending any unsolicited franked mail (currently, franked mass mailings) postmarked fewer than 60 days immediately before any primary or general election in which such Member is a candidate; and (2) Representative who is a candidate for any other public office from sending unsolicited franked mail outside his or her congressional district. Repeals Federal law that makes frankable mail matter which consists of voter registration, election information, or assistance prepared and mailed in a nonpartisan manner. Requires any amount remaining in an official allowance of a Member of the House of Representatives at the end of the session of the Congress or other period for which the allowance is made available to be returned to the Treasury for deficit reduction.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Blute, Peter I. [R-MA-3] · R–MA

Committees

  • Post Office and Civil Service Committee
  • Committee on House Administration
22 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Feb 7, 2024. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.3787 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.3787 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.3787 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.3787 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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