Ethics Manual for Members, Officers, and Employees of the U.S. House of Representatives

The objective of this Manual is to provide Members, officers (Chaplain, Clerk of the House, Doorkeeper, Postmaster, and Sergeant at Arms), and employees of the House of Representatives with a single, comprehensive reference containing guidance about standards of conduct, rules, regulations, and statutes applicable to their activities. The Manual both highlights major ethical concepts and offers a more detailed discussion of selected issues. Where appropriate, the Manual also includes the text of, or cites to, relevant decisions and opinions in a subject area. Notwithstanding its apparent detail, this publication is intended only as an overview and a reference tool, and not an exhaustive compilation of all ethical matters and potential situations or a study of all points and authorities in the areas discussed.

As the Rules of the House pertaining to ethical conduct have evolved since April 1967 when the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct was first established, so have the entities responsible for recommending and interpreting the standards of official conduct varied. Consequently, this Manual refers to the interpretations and actions of three major organizations which have had responsibility in the area of ethics: the Commission on Administrative Review, also known as the "Obey Commission;" the Select Committee on Ethics; and the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.

The "Obey Commission" was established in July 1976 to make recommendations to the House concerning ethical practices, financial accountability, and administrative operations of the House. The recommendations of the Commission were adopted by the House on March 2, 1977 (H. Res. 287) and resulted in changes in House rules in the areas of financial disclosure, outside earned income, acceptance of gifts, unofficial office accounts, franking privileges, and travel. The Commission also recommended the creation of a select committee with legislative jurisdiction relating to the Commission's recommendations.

Pursuant to the Commission's recommendation, a Select Committee on Ethics was established in March 1977 to provide guidelines and interpretations concerning House Rules XLIII, XLIV, XLV, XLVI, and XLVII and to report legislation. During the 2 years the Select Committee was in existence, it issued 13 formal Advisory Opinions interpreting the new House rules and recommended that House Rules XLIV (financial disclosure) and XLVI (franking) be enacted into law, which did, in fact, occur. When the Select Committee completed its task, its records and materials were transferred to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to assist

the latter in its rendering advisory opinions and interpreting House rules relating to financial ethics and standards of conduct.

As appropriate, the Manual reflects and refers to the work of each of these three entities, which, in sum, constitutes the body of law and precedents implementing ethical standards in the House of Representatives. Where appropriate, the Manual also references matters under the jurisdiction of other entities that have a bearing on official conduct.

The Committee hopes that the guidance and discussion contained in the Manual will not only answer the most frequently asked questions but, more importantly, result in an environment in which Members, officers, and employees are able to identify and avoid any situation in which the propriety of conduct may be at issue. Individuals are encouraged to call the Committee or other appropriate office for further guidance whenever it may be helpful. A list of phone numbers follows.

House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct ("House Ethics