What is the franking privilege?
The franking privilege lets members of Congress send official mail under their signature, called a frank, without a postage stamp.
The Congressional Research Service report on the franking privilege explains the rules and public funding behind congressional mail.
Can members use the frank for campaign mail?
No. House and Senate rules limit the frank to official business. Campaign mail does not qualify. Members cannot use the frank to ask voters to reelect them or to raise campaign money.
Official mail can explain legislative work or help constituents with federal agencies. The frank supports the work of a congressional office, not a campaign.
Who pays for franked mail?
Taxpayers pay for franked mail through congressional funds. No postage stamp does not mean no public cost. Members must follow spending limits and mailing rules.
The House Administration Committee’s history of the frank traces the privilege and later reforms. Those reforms added standards for official mail and accountability for each member’s mailing costs.
Why do members send official mail?
Official mail helps members explain their work to constituents. Senators represent whole states, while voting House members represent congressional districts.
The senator guide explains the Senate’s work. The House membership guide explains voting seats and vacancies.
Go beyond the mail and follow the votes
Official mail tells you what a congressional office chooses to share. Recorded votes show which bills your members supported or opposed. Cappy Pillow sends vote alerts, not franked mail from Congress.
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Cappy Pillow uses your ZIP code to find your senators and your House representative. Get free plain-English emails about their recorded votes on major bills.
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