The franking privilege is a long-standing legal right allowing U.S. members of Congress to send mail to constituents without prepaying postage, using their signature (or a reproduction) instead of a stamp. Intended for official business like newsletters, reports, and constituent correspondence, it has existed since 1775, though it is frequently criticized as an incumbent reelection tool.
Key details regarding the franking privilege:
Purpose: It was designed to help lawmakers inform their constituents about government operations, policy, and official actions.
Usage: It is restricted to "official business," which includes questionnaires, reports, and official correspondence. It cannot be used for purely political campaign materials.
Who is covered: Members of Congress, the vice president, and certain other officers of the House and Senate. Former Presidents and their surviving spouses are also granted this privilege.
Cost: While it is "free" to the member, it is not free to taxpayers. The U.S. Postal Service tracks the mail, and Congress reimburses the USPS using public funds.
History: The concept dates back to the 17th-century British House of Commons, adopted by the Continental Congress in 1775 and enacted into US law in 1789.
Controversies: The privilege is frequently criticized as an unfair advantage for incumbents in reelection campaigns, leading to calls for reform or elimination.
Modern Constraints: Because of potential abuse, franking has undergone many reforms since the 1970s. For example, rules now often restrict "mass mailings" (sending large volumes of similar mail) immediately before an election.
A Priority Mail letter now costs TWELVE DOLLARS! And you better use it for taxes or other government business or you have no record of sending it. I use to trust the mail but not in theist 10 years.
ReplyDeleteIt's not just the politicians that abuse this. It's also the non-profits and charities that overwhelm the system with "junk mail". The mailing costs aren't even a consideration. It's the printing costs. Absurd.
ReplyDeleteand just how long are these assholes going to be able to keep doing this. using our tax money for personal gain ?
ReplyDeletekind of funny how "they" write off everything us normal folks have to pay for out of our pockets ?
and this bullshit of voting themselves a raise any time they feel like is really pissing me off.