What are franking privileges?
Franking privileges—the ability to send mail by one’s signature rather than by postage—date back to the seventeenth-century English House of Commons. The American Continental Congress adopted the practice in 1775 and the First Congress wrote it into law in 1789.
What are franking privileges and why does Congress have them?
The franking privilege, which allows Members of Congress to transmit mail matter under their signature without postage, has existed in the United States since colonial times.
Who does franking privilege apply?
Congress
The congressional franking privilege, which dates from 1775, allows Members of Congress to transmit mail matter under their signature without postage. Congress, through legislative branch appropriations, reimburses the U.S. Postal Service for the franked mail it handles.
How does franking privilege help Members of Congress?
The franking privilege helps members of Congress because it allows them to mail letters and other materials postage-free. Also, Congress has provided its members with free printing- and through franking, the free distributions of speeches, newsletters, and the like.
What does it mean to have a franking privilege?
Franking privilege is a personal pre-signed letter sent through the post office without any postage stamp. Government officials usually own the franking privileges; they have authority under the law to sign franked letters. Franking privileges in the US are called Congressional franks, restricted to business mail users only.
When was franking privilege banned in the US?
Franking privilege was banned from 1873 to 1895. When it was re-established in 1895, restrictions were put onto the privilege. Congress members could send mail, under one ounce to their constituents, government officials, or any person as long as it was official business.
What does franking mean in the postal system?
Franking privileges in the US are called Congressional franks, restricted to business mail users only. Also, the government during times of war authorizes postal corporations to accept franked letters from duty officers uses. In the United States, for instance, franked letters are serviced and handled by military officers only.
Who is granted franking privilege in the executive branch?
Executive branch officials have franking privilege for official government correspondence. Postmasters also have franking privilege for official government correspondence. Soldiers are occasionally granted franking privilege in times of conflict. The case of Rising v.