H.Res. 731House118th Congress (2023-2025)Passed Congress

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to modify the period before the date of any primary election or general election during which a mass mailing is not frankable by a Member of the House who is a candidate in such election, and for other purposes.

AI-Generated Summary

Updated January 20, 2026 at 11:53 AM UTC

The resolution changes House rules about the use of franked mail by members who are running for office. It replaces the current 90‑day blackout before a primary or general election with the specific period defined in section 3210(a)(6)(A). It also renames the Franking Commission to the House Communications Standards Commission and requires that commission to update its guidance and make it publicly available.

Key Provisions

Amends Clause 8 of rule XXIV to replace the "less than 90 days before an election" restriction with a reference to the period set out in section 3210(a)(6)(A).
Directs the House Communications Standards Commission to revise any related regulations within 30 days of the resolution’s adoption and have the Committee on House Administration post the updates online.
Changes the reference in rule X, clause 1(k)(7), from "Franking Commission" to "House Communications Standards Commission."

Legislative Activity

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10 earlier actions

HouseFloor Latest Action

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

December 5, 2023 • 12:16 PM

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

September 27, 2023

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Rules Committee

September 27, 2023

HouseCommittee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Committee on House Administration

September 28, 2023

HouseCommittee

Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

Committee on House Administration

September 28, 2023

HouseFloor

Mrs. Houchin asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.

December 5, 2023 • 12:15 PM

HouseCommittee

Committee on Rules discharged.

Rules Committee

December 5, 2023

HouseCommittee

Committee on House Administration discharged.

Committee on House Administration

December 5, 2023

HouseFloor

Considered by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR H6120)

December 5, 2023 • 12:16 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H6120)

December 5, 2023 • 12:16 PM

HouseFloor

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H6120)

December 5, 2023 • 12:16 PM

HouseFloor

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

December 5, 2023 • 12:16 PM

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about H.Res. 731 on the floor

1 Republican

Rep. Erin HouchinR-IN-9 · Dec 5, 2023

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Rules and House Administration be discharged from further consideration of H. Res. 731, and ask for its immediate consideration in the…

Bill Text

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Engrossed in HouseIssued December 5, 2023

H. RES. 731

In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

December 5, 2023

RESOLUTION

Limitations on the use of the frank before a primary or general election

(a)

In general

Clause 8 of rule XXIV of the Rules of the House of Representatives is amended by striking less than 90 days before the date of a primary or general election (whether regular, special, or runoff) in which such individual is a candidate for public office and inserting on a date during the period described in section 3210(a)(6)(A) of such title.

(b)

House Communications Standards Commission regulations and guidance

Not later than 30 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution—

(1)

the House Communications Standards Commission shall update any relevant regulation or guidance to reflect the amendment made by subsection (a); and

(2)

the Committee on House Administration shall make publicly available on the website of the Committee any such regulation or guidance updated under paragraph (1).

Clarification with respect to jurisdiction of Committee on House Administration

Clause 1(k)(7) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives is amended by striking Franking Commission and inserting House Communications Standards Commission.

Clerk.