House Communications Standards Commission
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Purpose
The House Communications Standards Commission (“Commission”) operates pursuant to the authority set forth in Title 2, Chapter 16 of the U.S. Code. The regulations in this manual are issued under that authority and are consistent with the laws governing the use and content of franked mail and communications in Title 39, Chapter 32 of the U.S. Code. These regulations supersede the Regulations on the Use of the Congressional Frank dated July 2017.
HOUSE COMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS COMMISSION
119th CONGRESS
COMMISSION RESOLUTION 119-01
Be it resolved, that pursuant to 2 U.S.C. §§§ 501(d), 501(e), 501(f), and clauses (4)-(9) of Rule XXIV of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Rules of the House Communications Standards Commission for the 119th Congress are hereby adopted, as follows
On Friday, March 24, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. ET, the House Communications Standards Commission will hold an organizational meeting for the 118th Congress.
The House Communications Standards Commission has released updated Communication Standards for Members of Congress to take effect on January 7th, 2020. The new guidelines modernize franking rules by including digital communications, improve accountability through public transparency, expedite the Commission review process, and allow for more seamless interaction with constituents across platforms.
Effective January 7th, 2020, the following are new updates to Official House Communications Rules and Procedures:
A Member may not send any unsolicited mass mailing or mass communication less than 60 days immediately before the date of any primary or general election (whether regular, special, or runoff) in which the Member is a candidate for public office.
Please Note: Primaries are subject to change. The General Election Blackout for Members, Delegates and the Resident Commissioner begins September 4, 2026. Some states may have runoff date restrictions.
Initial Submission
Member offices must submit an Advisory Opinion Request prior to distribution of all unsolicited mass emails via the online portal here. This does not include mass emails send to opted-in/subscriber lists.
The attachment must be submitted as an actual email file (.eml, .msg, etc.) in its final format (send yourself a test email) – as the constituent will view it, with all clickable links activated.
Quarterly Mass Mailings and Mass Communications Form
The Quarterly Mass Mailings and Mass Communications Form provides House Offices with an efficient way to submit information on mass mailings and communications.
The electronic form offers several time saving features: