May 19, 2004
Statement of Chairman Joel Hefley and Ranking Minority Member Alan B. Mollohan
Recently
it was reported in the news media that the Committee on Standards of Official
Conduct has “cleared” House Members to raise funds for charitable organizations
during the national political conventions later this year. That report is not correct. Members are subject to a number of rules and
standards in raising funds for charity, and any Member contemplating
involvement with charitable fundraising should contact the Committee for
guidance addressed to his or her specific circumstances. In addition, the gift rule imposes a number
of limitations on the ability of House Members and staff to accept an offer of
free attendance at a charity event, and, again, Members and staff should
consult with the Committee before accepting such an offer. To the extent that the Committee has
responded to specific inquiries on charitable activities taking place at the
conventions, it has cautioned as to the concerns that may arise from those
activities taking place in that venue, and the need for Member participation to
comply strictly with House rules and standards of conduct.
Further
information on how the House gift rule applies to Members and staff attending
one of the conventions is set out in an advisory memorandum that the Committee
issued on