TITLE 2 - US CODE - CHAPTER 3 - COMPENSATION AND ALLOWANCES OF MEMBERS

2 USC 31-1 - Repealed. Pub. L. 10290, title I, 6(c), Aug. 14, 1991, 105 Stat. 451

Section, Pub. L. 98–63, title I, § 908(a)(c), July 30, 1983, 97 Stat. 337, 338; Pub. L. 99–190, § 137, Dec. 19, 1985, 99 Stat. 1323; Pub. L. 101–194, title VI, § 601(b)(2), title XI, 1101(b), Nov. 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 1762, 1782; Pub. L. 101–280, § 7(b)(2)[(d)(2)], May 4, 1990, 104 Stat. 161, related to maximum amount of honoraria which could be accepted by Members of Congress.

2 USC 31-2 - Gifts and travel

(a) Gifts 

(1) No Member, officer, or employee of the Senate, or the spouse or dependent thereof, shall knowingly accept, directly or indirectly, any gift or gifts in any calendar year aggregating more than the minimal value as established by section 7342 (a)(5) of title 5 or $250, whichever is greater[1] from any person, organization, or corporation unless, in an unusual case, a waiver is granted by the Select Committee on Ethics.
(2) The prohibitions of this subsection do not apply to gifts
(A) from relatives;
(B) with a value of $100 or less, as adjusted under section 102(a)(2)(A) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978; or
(C) of personal hospitality of an individual.
(3) For purposes of this subsection
(A) the term gift means a payment, subscription, advance, forbearance, rendering, or deposit of money, services, or anything of value, including food, lodging, transportation, or entertainment, and reimbursement for other than necessary expenses, unless consideration of equal or greater value is received, but does not include (1) a political contribution otherwise reported as required by law, (2) a loan made in a commercially reasonable manner (including requirements that the loan be repaid and that a reasonable rate of interest be paid), (3) a bequest, inheritance, or other transfer at death, (4) a bona fide award presented in recognition of public service and available to the general public, (5) a reception at which the Member, officer, or employee is to be honored, provided such individual receives no other gifts that exceed the restrictions in this rule, other than a suitable memento, (6) meals or beverages consumed or enjoyed, provided the meals or beverages are not consumed or enjoyed in connection with a gift of overnight lodging, or (7) anything of value given to a spouse or dependent of a reporting individual by the employer of such spouse or dependent in recognition of the service provided by such spouse or dependent; and
(B) the term relative has the same meaning given to such term in section 107(2) of title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (Public Law 95521).[2]
(4) If a Member, officer, or employee, after exercising reasonable diligence to obtain the information necessary to comply with this rule, unknowingly accepts a gift described in paragraph (1) such Member, officer, or employee shall, upon learning of the nature of the gift and its source, return the gift or, if it is not possible to return the gift, reimburse the donor for the value of the gift.
(5) 
(A) Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate may participate in a program, the principal objective of which is educational, sponsored by a foreign government or a foreign educational or charitable organization involving travel to a foreign country paid for by that foreign government or organization if such participation is not in violation of any law and if the select[3] Committee on Ethics has determined that participation in such program by Members, officers, or employees of the Senate is in the interests of the Senate and the United States.
(B) Any Member who accepts an invitation to participate in any such program shall notify the Select Committee in writing of his acceptance. A Member shall also notify the Select Committee in writing whenever he has permitted any officer or employee whom he supervises to participate in any such program. The chairman of the Select Committee shall place in the Congressional Record a list of all individuals,[4] participating, the supervisors of such individuals where applicable;[5] and the nature and itinerary of such program.
(C) No Member, officer, or employee may accept funds in connection with participation in a program permitted under subparagraph (A) if such funds are not used for necessary food, lodging, transportation, and related expenses of the Member, officer, or employee.
(b) Limits on domestic and foreign travel by Members and staff of Senate 
The term necessary expenses, with respect to limits on domestic and foreign travel by Members and staff of the Senate, means reasonable expenses for food, lodging, or transportation which are incurred by a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate in connection with services provided to (or participation in an event sponsored by) the organization which provides reimbursement for such expenses or which provides the food, lodging, or transportation directly. Necessary expenses do not include the provision of food, lodging, or transportation, or the payment for such expenses, for a continuous period in excess of 3 days exclusive of travel time within the United States or 7 days exclusive of travel time outside of the United States unless such travel is approved by the Committee on Ethics as necessary for participation in a conference, seminar, meeting or similar matter. Necessary expenses do not include the provision of food, lodging, or transportation, or the payment for such expenses, for anyone accompanying a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate, other than the spouse or child of such Member, officer, or employee of the Senate or one Senate employee acting as an aide to a Member.
[1] So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.
[2] See References in Text note below.
[3] So in original. Probably should be capitalized.
[4] So in original. The comma probably should not appear.
[5] So in original. The semicolon probably should be a comma.

2 USC 31-3 - Guidelines relating to restrictions on registered lobbyist participation in travel and disclosure

(1) In general 
Except as provided in paragraph (4) and not later than 60 days after September 14, 2007, and at annual intervals thereafter, the Select Committee on Ethics shall develop and revise, as necessary
(A) guidelines, for purposes of implementing the amendments made by subsection (a),1 on evaluating a trip proposal and judging the reasonableness of an expense or expenditure, including guidelines related to evaluating
(i) the stated mission of the organization sponsoring the trip;
(ii) the organizations prior history of sponsoring congressional trips, if any;
(iii) other educational activities performed by the organization besides sponsoring congressional trips;
(iv) whether any trips previously sponsored by the organization led to an investigation by the Select Committee on Ethics;
(v) whether the length of the trip and the itinerary is consistent with the official purpose of the trip;
(vi) whether there is an adequate connection between a trip and official duties;
(vii) the reasonableness of an amount spent by a sponsor of the trip;
(viii) whether there is a direct and immediate relationship between a source of funding and an event; and
(ix) any other factor deemed relevant by the Select Committee on Ethics; and
(B) regulations describing the information it will require individuals subject to the requirements of the amendments made by subsection (a)1 to submit to the committee in order to obtain the prior approval of the committee for travel under paragraph 2 of rule XXXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, including any required certifications.
(2) Consideration 
In developing and revising guidelines under paragraph (1)(A), the committee shall take into account the maximum per diem rates for official Federal Government travel published annually by the General Services Administration, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense.
(3) Unreasonable expense 
For purposes of this section, travel on a flight described in paragraph 1(c)(1)(C)(ii) of rule XXXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate shall not be considered to be a reasonable expense.
(4) Extension 
The deadline for the initial guidelines required by paragraph (1) may be extended for 30 days by the Committee on Rules and Administration.
[1] See References in Text note below.

2 USC 31 - Compensation of Members of Congress

(1) The annual rate of pay for
(A) each Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, and Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico,
(B) the President pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader and the minority leader of the Senate, and the majority leader and the minority leader of the House of Representatives, and
(C) the Speaker of the House of Representatives,

shall be the rate determined for such positions under chapter 11 of this title, as adjusted by paragraph (2) of this section.

(2) 
(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), effective at the beginning of the first applicable pay period commencing on or after the first day of the month in which an adjustment takes effect under section 5303 of title 5 in the rates of pay under the General Schedule, each annual rate referred to in paragraph (1) shall be adjusted by an amount, rounded to the nearest multiple of $100 (or if midway between multiples of $100, to the next higher multiple of $100), equal to the percentage of such annual rate which corresponds to the most recent percentage change in the ECI (relative to the date described in the next sentence), as determined under section 704(a)(1) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989. The appropriate date under this sentence is the first day of the fiscal year in which such adjustment in the rates of pay under the General Schedule takes effect.
(B) In no event shall the percentage adjustment taking effect under subparagraph (A) in any calendar year (before rounding), in any rate of pay, exceed the percentage adjustment taking effect in such calendar year under section 5303 of title 5 in the rates of pay under the General Schedule.

2 USC 31a - Repealed. Mar. 2, 1955, ch. 9, 4(b), 69 Stat. 11, eff. Mar. 1, 1955

Section, acts Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, title VI, 601(b), 60 Stat. 850; Oct. 20, 1951, ch. 521, title VI, 619(d), 65 Stat. 570, related to expense allowance for Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and Resident Commissioner.

2 USC 31a1 - Expense allowance of Majority and Minority Leaders of Senate; expense allowance of Majority and Minority Whips; methods of payment; taxability

Effective fiscal year 1978 and each fiscal year thereafter, the expense allowances of the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate are increased to $40,000 each fiscal year for each leader: Provided, That, effective with the fiscal year 1983 and each fiscal year thereafter, the expense allowance of the Majority and Minority Whips of the Senate shall not exceed $10,000 each fiscal year for each Whip: Provided further, That, during the period beginning on January 3, 1977, and ending September 30, 1977, and during each fiscal year thereafter, the Vice President, the Majority Leader, the Minority Leader, the Majority Whip, and the Minority Whip may receive the expense allowance
(a)  as reimbursement for actual expenses incurred upon certification and documentation of such expenses by the Vice President, the respective Leader or the respective Whip, or
(b)  in equal monthly payments: Provided further, That effective January 3, 1977, the amounts paid to the Vice President, the Majority or Minority Leader of the Senate, or the Majority or Minority Whip of the Senate as reimbursement of actual expenses incurred upon certification and documentation pursuant to the second proviso of this section shall not be reported as income, and the expenses so reimbursed shall not be allowed as a deduction, under title 26.

2 USC 31a2 - Representation Allowance Account for Majority and Minority Leaders of Senate

(a) Establishment; purpose 
There is hereby established an account, within the Senate, to be known as the Representation Allowance Account for the Majority and Minority Leaders. Such Allowance Account shall be used by the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate to assist them properly to discharge their appropriate responsibilities in the United States to members of foreign legislative bodies and prominent officials of foreign governments and intergovernmental organizations.
(b) Payments; allotment; reimbursement for actual expenses; taxability 
Payments authorized to be made under this section shall be paid by the Secretary of the Senate. Of the funds available for expenditure from such Allowance Account for any fiscal year, one-half shall be allotted to the Majority Leader and one-half shall be allotted to the Minority Leader. Amounts paid from such Allowance Account to the Majority or Minority Leader shall be paid to him from his allotment and shall be paid to him only as reimbursement for actual expenses incurred by him and upon certification and documentation of such expenses. Amounts paid to the Majority or Minority Leader pursuant to this section shall not be reported as income and shall not be allowed as a deduction under title 26.
(c) Authorization of appropriations 
There are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year (commencing with the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985) not more than $20,000 to the Allowance Account established by this section.

2 USC 31a2a - Transfer of funds from representation allowance of Majority and Minority Leaders of Senate to expense allowance; availability; definitions

(a) The Secretary of the Senate shall, upon the written request of the Majority or Minority Leader of the Senate, transfer from any available funds in such Leaders allotment in the Leaders Representation Allowance (as defined in subsection (b)(1) of this section) for any fiscal year (commencing with the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985) to such Leaders Expense Allowance (as defined in subsection (b)(2) of this section) to such year such amount as is specified in the request. Any funds so transferred for any fiscal year at the request of either such Leader shall be available to such Leader for such year for the same purposes as, and in like manner and subject to the same conditions as, are other funds which are available to him for such year as his expense allowance as Majority or Minority Leader.
(b) 
(1) The term Leaders Representation Allowance means the Representation Allowance Account for the Majority and Minority Leaders established by section 31a–2 of this title.
(2) The term Leaders Expense Allowance, when used in reference to the Majority or Minority Leader of the Senate, refers to the moneys available, for any fiscal year, to such Leader as an expense allowance and the appropriation account from which such moneys are funded.

2 USC 31a2b - Transfer of funds from appropriations account of Majority and Minority Leaders of Senate to appropriations account, Miscellaneous Items, within Senate contingent fund

(a) Requests for transfers 
Upon the written request of the Majority or Minority Leader of the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate shall transfer during any fiscal year, from the appropriations account appropriated under the headings Salaries, Officers and Employees and Offices of the Majority and Minority Leaders, such amount as either Leader shall specify to the appropriations account, within the contingent fund of the Senate, Miscellaneous Items.
(b) Authority to incur expenses 
The Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate are each authorized to incur such expenses as may be necessary or appropriate. Expenses incurred by either such leader shall be paid from the amount transferred pursuant to subsection (a) of this section by such leader and upon vouchers approved by such leader.
(c) Authority to advance sums 
The Secretary of the Senate is authorized to advance such sums as may be necessary to defray expenses incurred in carrying out subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

2 USC 31a2c - Transfer of funds from appropriations account of Majority and Minority Whips of Senate to appropriations account, Miscellaneous Items, within Senate contingent fund

(a) Requests for transfers 
Upon the written request of the Majority or Minority Whip of the Senate, the Secretary of the Senate shall transfer during any fiscal year, from the appropriations account appropriated under the headings Salaries, Officers and Employees and offices of the majority and minority whips, such amount as either whip shall specify to the appropriations account, within the contingent fund of the Senate, miscellaneous items.
(b) Authority to incur expenses 
The Majority and Minority Whips of the Senate are each authorized to incur such expenses as may be necessary or appropriate. Expenses incurred by either such whip shall be paid from the amount transferred pursuant to subsection (a) of this section by such whip and upon vouchers approved by such whip.
(c) Authority to advance sums 
The Secretary of the Senate is authorized to advance such sums as may be necessary to defray expenses incurred in carrying out subsections (a) and (b) of this section.

2 USC 31a2d - Transfer of funds from appropriations account of the Office of the Vice President and the Offices of the Secretaries for the Majority and Minority to the Senate contingent fund

(a) Office of the Vice President 

(1) In general 
Upon the written request of the Vice President, the Secretary of the Senate shall transfer from the appropriations account appropriated under the subheading office of the vice president under the heading Salaries, Officers and Employees such amount as the Vice President shall specify to the appropriations account under the heading miscellaneous items within the contingent fund of the Senate.
(2) Authority to incur expenses 
The Vice President may incur such expenses as may be necessary or appropriate. Expenses incurred by the Vice President shall be paid from the amount transferred under paragraph (1) by the Vice President and upon vouchers approved by the Vice President.
(3) Authority to advance sums 
The Secretary of the Senate may advance such sums as may be necessary to defray expenses incurred in carrying out paragraphs (1) and (2).
(b) Offices of the Secretaries for the Majority and Minority 

(1) In general 
Upon the written request of the Secretary for the Majority or the Secretary for the Minority, the Secretary of the Senate shall transfer from the appropriations account appropriated under the subheading offices of the secretaries for the majority and minority under the heading Salaries, Officers and Employees such amount as the Secretary for the Majority or the Secretary for the Minority shall specify to the appropriations account under the heading miscellaneous items within the contingent fund of the Senate.
(2) Authority to incur expenses 
The Secretary for the Majority or the Secretary for the Minority may incur such expenses as may be necessary or appropriate. Expenses incurred by the Secretary for the Majority or the Secretary for the Minority shall be paid from the amount transferred under paragraph (1) by the Secretary for the Majority or the Secretary for the Minority and upon vouchers approved by the Secretary for the Majority or the Secretary for the Minority, as applicable.
(3) Authority to advance sums 
The Secretary of the Senate may advance such sums as may be necessary to defray expenses incurred in carrying out paragraphs (1) and (2).
(c) Effective date 
This section shall apply to fiscal year 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter.

2 USC 31a3 - Expense allowance for Chairmen of Majority and Minority Conference Committees of Senate; method of payment; taxability

For each fiscal year (commencing with the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985), there is hereby authorized an expense allowance for the Chairmen of the Majority and Minority Conference Committees which shall not exceed $5,000 each fiscal year for each such Chairman; and amounts from such allowance shall be paid to either of such Chairmen only as reimbursement for actual expenses incurred by him and upon certification and documentation of such expenses, and amounts so paid shall not be reported as income and shall not be allowed as a deduction under title 26.

2 USC 31a4 - Expense allowance for Chairmen of Majority and Minority Policy Committees of Senate; method of payment; taxability

For each fiscal year (commencing with the fiscal year ending September 30, 2001), there is authorized an expense allowance for the Chairmen of the Majority and Minority Policy Committees which shall not exceed $5,000 each fiscal year for each such Chairman; and amounts from such allowance shall be paid to either of such Chairmen only as reimbursement for actual expenses incurred by him and upon certification and documentation of such expenses, and amounts so paid shall not be reported as income and shall not be allowed as a deduction under title 26.

2 USC 31b - Expense allowance of Speaker of House of Representatives

There shall be paid to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in equal monthly installments an expense allowance of $10,000 per annum to assist in defraying expenses relating to or resulting from the discharge of his official duties, for which no accounting, other than for income tax purposes, shall be made by him.

2 USC 31b1 - Former Speakers of House of Representatives; retention of office, furniture, etc., in Congressional district following expiration of term as Representative; exceptions

(a) Each former Speaker of the House of Representatives (hereafter referred to in sections 31b–1 to 31b–7 of this title as the Speaker) is entitled to retain, for as long as he determines there is need therefor, commencing at the expiration of his term of office as a Representative in Congress the complete and exclusive use of one office selected by him in order to facilitate the administration, settlement, and conclusion of matters pertaining to or arising out of his incumbency in office as a Representative in Congress and as Speaker of the House of Representatives. Such office shall be located in the United States and shall be furnished and maintained by the Government in a condition appropriate for his use.
(b) Sections 31b–1 to 31b–7 of this title shall not apply with respect to any former Speaker of the House of Representatives for any period during which such former Speaker holds an appointive or elective office or position in or under the Federal Government or the government of the District of Columbia to which is attached a rate of pay other than a nominal rate or to any former Speaker separated from the service by reason of expulsion from the House.

2 USC 31b2 - Allowance available to former Speaker for payment of office and other expenses for administration, etc., of matters pertaining to incumbency in office as Representative and Speaker

The Speaker is entitled to have the applicable accounts of the House of Representatives be available for payment of, for as long as he determines there is need therefor, commencing at the expiration of his term of office as a Representative in Congress, an allowance equal to the Members Representational Allowance (to be paid in the same manner as such Allowance) for office and other expenses incurred in connection with the administration, settlement, and conclusion of matters pertaining to or arising out of his incumbency in office as a Representative in Congress and as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

2 USC 31b3 - Repealed. Pub. L. 99151, title I, 102(b), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 797

Section, based on H. Res. No. 1238, 3, Dec. 23, 1970, enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 91–665, ch. VIII, Jan. 8, 1971, 84 Stat. 1989; Pub. L. 93–532, § 1(a), Dec. 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 1723, provided for reimbursement of former Speaker of House for telephone service charges for administration, etc., of matters pertaining to incumbency in office as Representative and Speaker.

2 USC 31b4 - Franked mail and printing privileges of former Speaker

(a) The Speaker may send mail as franked mail under sections 3210 and 3213 of title 39, and send and receive mail as franked mail under section 3211 of that title, for as long as he determines there is need therefor, commencing at the close of the period specified in those sections following the expiration of his term of office as a Representative in Congress. The postage on such mail, including registry fees if registration is required, shall be paid and credited as provided by section 3216 (a) of title 39.
(b) For as long as he determines there is need therefor, commencing at the expiration of his term of office as a Representative in Congress, the Speaker shall be entitled to the benefits afforded by section 733 of title 44.

2 USC 31b5 - Staff assistance to former Speaker for administration, etc., of matters pertaining to incumbency in office as Representative and Speaker; compensation and status of staff

In order to provide staff assistance to the Speaker in connection with the administration, settlement, and conclusion of matters pertaining to or arising out of his incumbency in office as a Representative in Congress and as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the contingent fund of the House is hereby made available, for as long as he determines there is need therefor, commencing at the expiration of the term of office of the Speaker as a Representative in Congress for payment of the salaries of an Administrative Assistant, who shall be paid at a basic per annum rate of not to exceed the then current rate for step 11 of level 13 of the House Employees Schedule, as determined by the Speaker, a Secretary, who shall be paid at a basic per annum rate of not to exceed the then current rate for step 8 of level 12 of such Schedule, as determined by the Speaker, and an additional Secretary, who shall be paid at a gross per annum rate of not to exceed the then current rate for step 7 of level 11 of such Schedule as determined by the Speaker, designated and appointed by the Speaker to serve as members of his office staff in such period. Each person so designated and appointed shall be held and considered, for the duration of such appointment, as
(1) an employee for the purposes of subchapter I of chapter 81 (relating to compensation for work injuries) of title 5, and
(2) a congressional employee within the meaning of section 2107 of title 5, for the purposes of
(A) subchapter III (relating to civil service retirement) of chapter 83 of such title,
(B) chapter 87 (relating to Federal employees group life insurance) of such title, and
(C) chapter 89 (relating to Federal employees group health insurance) of such title.

2 USC 31b6 - Repealed. Pub. L. 99151, title I, 102(b), Nov. 13, 1985, 99 Stat. 797

Section, based on H. Res. No. 1238, 6, Dec. 23, 1970, enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 91–665, ch. VIII, Jan. 8, 1971, 84 Stat. 1989; Pub. L. 93–532, § 1(a), Dec. 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 1723, provided for an allowance to the former Speaker of the House for stationery and other office supplies.

2 USC 31b7 - Availability of entitlements of former Speaker for 5 years

The entitlements of a former Speaker of the House of Representatives under sections 31b–1 to 31b–7 of this title shall be available
(1) in the case of an individual who is a former Speaker on October 1, 1993, for 5 years, commencing on October 1, 1993; and
(2) in the case of an individual who becomes a former Speaker after October 1, 1993, for 5 years, commencing at the expiration of the term of office of the individual as a Representative in Congress.

2 USC 31c - Repealed. Pub. L. 9751, 139(b)(2), Oct. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 967

Section, acts July 9, 1952, ch. 598, 66 Stat. 467; Aug. 1, 1953, ch. 304, title I, 67 Stat. 322, provided that, for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1953, the place of residence of a Member of Congress (including any Delegate and Resident Commissioner) within the State, congressional district, Territory, or possession which he represented in Congress would be considered his home for the purposes of tax provisions making deductible certain living expenses away from home, but that amounts expended by such Member within each taxable year for living expenses could not be deducted for income tax purposes in excess of $3,000.

2 USC 32 - Compensation of President pro tempore of Senate

Whenever there is no Vice President, the President of the Senate for the time being is entitled to the compensation provided by law for the Vice President.

2 USC 32a - Compensation of Deputy President pro tempore of Senate

Effective January 5, 1977, the compensation of a Deputy President pro tempore of the Senate shall be at a rate equal to the rate of annual compensation of the President pro tempore and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate.

2 USC 32b - Expense allowance of President pro tempore of Senate; methods of payment; taxability

Effective with fiscal year 1978 and each fiscal year thereafter, there is hereby authorized an expense allowance for the President Pro Tempore which shall not exceed $40,000 each fiscal year. The President Pro Tempore may receive the expense allowance
(1)  as reimbursement for actual expenses incurred upon certification and documentation of such expenses by the President Pro Tempore, or
(2)  in equal monthly payments. Such amounts paid to the President Pro Tempore as reimbursement of actual expenses incurred upon certification and documentation pursuant to this provision, shall not be reported as income, and the expenses so reimbursed shall not be allowed as a deduction, under title 26.

2 USC 33 - Senators salaries

Senators elected, whose term of office begins on the 3d day of January, and whose credentials in due form of law shall have been presented in the Senate, may receive their compensation from the beginning of their term.

2 USC 34 - Representatives and Delegates salaries payable monthly

Representatives and Delegates-elect to Congress, whose credentials in due form of law have been duly filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives, in accordance with the provisions of section 26 of this title, may receive their compensation monthly, from the beginning of their term until the beginning of the first session of each Congress, upon a certificate in the form now in use to be signed by the Clerk of the House, which certificate shall have the like force and effect as is given to the certificate of the Speaker.

2 USC 35 - Salaries payable monthly after taking oath

Each Member and Delegate, after he has taken and subscribed the required oath, is entitled to receive his salary at the end of each month.

2 USC 35a - End-of-the-month salary payment schedule inapplicable to Senators

Section 35 of this title shall not be construed as being applicable to a Senator.

2 USC 36 - Salaries of Senators

Salaries of Senators appointed to fill vacancies in the Senate shall commence on the day of their appointment and continue until their successors are elected and qualified: Provided, That when Senators have been elected during a sine die adjournment of the Senate to succeed appointees, the salaries of Senators so elected shall commence on the day following their election. Salaries of Senators elected during a session to succeed appointees shall commence on the day they qualify: Provided, That when Senators have been elected during a session to succeed appointees, but have not qualified, the salaries of Senators so elected shall commence on the day following the sine die adjournment of the Senate. When no appointments have been made the salaries of Senators elected to fill such vacancies shall commence on the day following their election.

2 USC 36a - Payment of sums due deceased Senators and Senate personnel

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Senate, a person serving as a Senator or officer or employee whose compensation is disbursed by the Secretary of the Senate may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries to be paid any unpaid balance of salary or other sums due such person at the time of his death. When any person dies while so serving, any such unpaid balance shall be paid by the disbursing officer of the Senate to the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries. If no designation has been made, such unpaid balance shall be paid to the widow or widower of that person, or if there is no widow or widower, to the next of kin or heirs at law of that person. Section 50 of the Revised Statutes[1] shall not be effective as to persons included within the foregoing.
[1]See References in Text note below.

2 USC 37 - Salaries of Representatives, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners elected for unexpired terms

The salaries of Representatives in Congress, Delegates from Territories, and Resident Commissioners, elected for unexpired terms, shall commence on the date of their election and not before.

2 USC 38 - Repealed. Pub. L. 104186, title II, 203(4), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1725

Section, R.S. 49, 50; acts Jan. 20, 1874, ch. 11, 18 Stat. 4; Mar. 4, 1925, ch. 549, 4, 43 Stat. 1301, related to pay of member dying after commencement of Congress. See section 38a of this title.

2 USC 38a - Disposition of unpaid salary and other sums on death of Representative or Resident Commissioner

When any individual who has been elected a Member of, or Resident Commissioner to, the House of Representatives dies after the commencement of the Congress to which he has been elected, any unpaid balance of salary and other sums due such individual shall be paid to the person or persons surviving at the date of death, in the following order of precedence, and such payment shall be a bar to the recovery by any other person of amounts so paid: First, to the beneficiary or beneficiaries designated by such individual in writing to receive such unpaid balance and other sums due filed with the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives and received by the Chief Administrative Officer prior to such individuals death; Second, if there be no such beneficiary, to the widow or widower of such individual; Third, if there be no beneficiary or surviving spouse, to the child or children of such individual, and descendants of deceased children, by representation; Fourth, if none of the above, to the parents of such individual, or the survivor of them; Fifth, if there be none of the above, to the duly appointed legal representative of the estate of the deceased individual, or if there be none, to the person or persons determined to be entitled thereto under the laws of the domicile of the deceased individual.

2 USC 38b - Death gratuity payments as gifts

Any death gratuity payment at any time specifically appropriated by any Act of Congress or at any time made out of the applicable accounts of the House of Representatives or the contingent fund of the Senate shall be held to have been a gift.

2 USC 39 - Deductions for absence

The Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives (upon certification by the Clerk of the House of Representatives) shall deduct from the monthly payments (or other periodic payments authorized by law) of each Member or Delegate the amount of his salary for each day that he has been absent from the House, unless such Member or Delegate assigns as the reason for such absence the sickness of himself or of some member of his family.

2 USC 40 - Deductions for withdrawal

When any Member or Delegate withdraws from his seat and does not return before the adjournment of Congress, he shall, in addition to the sum deducted for each day, forfeit a sum equal to the amount which would have been allowed by law for his mileage in returning home; and such sum shall be deducted from his compensation, unless the withdrawal is with the leave of the Senate or House of Representatives respectively.

2 USC 40a - Deductions for delinquent indebtedness

Whenever a Representative, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, or a United States Senator, shall fail to pay any sum or sums due from such person to the House of Representatives or Senate, respectively, the appropriate committee or officer of the House of Representatives or Senate, as the case may be, having jurisdiction of the activity under which such debt arose, shall certify such delinquent sum or sums to the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives in the case of an indebtedness to the House of Representatives and to the Secretary of the Senate in the case of an indebtedness to the Senate, and such latter officials are authorized and directed, respectively, to deduct from any salary, mileage, or expense money due to any such delinquent such certified amounts or so much thereof as the balance or balances due such delinquent may cover. Sums so deducted by the Secretary of the Senate shall be disposed of by him in accordance with existing law, and sums so deducted by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives shall be disposed of by him in accordance with existing law.

41, 42. Repealed. Pub. L. 104186, title II, 203(9)(A), (10), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1726

Section 41, R.S. 43, provided that no Member or Delegate was entitled to any allowance for newspapers. Section 42, based on H. Res. No. 420, Ninety-second Congress, May 18, 1971, enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 92–184, ch. IV, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 636, related to furnishing of postage stamps to Members, committees, and officers of House of Representatives. A prior section 42, R.S. 44, which proscribed compensation or allowance to Senators, Representatives, or Delegates for postage, was repealed by Pub. L. 104–186, title II, § 203(11), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1726. See sections 42a and 46a of this title.

2 USC 42a - Special delivery postage allowance for President of Senate

The Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to procure and furnish each fiscal year (commencing with the fiscal year ending September 30, 1982) to the President of the Senate, upon request by such person, United States special delivery postage stamps in such amount as may be necessary for the mailing of postal matters arising in connection with his official business.

42a1, 42b. Omitted

42c, 42d. Repealed. Pub. L. 104186, title II, 203(12), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1726

Section 42c, Pub. L. 85–778, § 1, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 934; H. Res. No. 532, Eighty-eighth Congress, Oct. 2, 1963, enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 88–454, § 103, Aug. 20, 1964, 78 Stat. 550; H. Res. No. 1003, Ninetieth Congress, Dec. 14, 1967, enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 90–392, title I, July 9, 1968, 82 Stat. 318, related to airmail and special delivery stamps for House Members and standing committees. Section 42d, Pub. L. 85–778, § 2, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 934; H. Res. No. 532, Eighty-eighth Congress, Oct. 2, 1963, enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 88–454, § 103, Aug. 20, 1964, 78 Stat. 550; H. Res. No. 1003, Ninetieth Congress, Dec. 14, 1967, enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 90–392, title I, July 9, 1968, 82 Stat. 318, related to airmail and special delivery stamps for House Speaker, leaders, whips, and officers.

43, 43a. Omitted

43b, 43b1. Repealed. Pub. L. 104186, title II, 203(13), (14), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1726

Section 43b, Pub. L. 85–570, July 31, 1958, 72 Stat. 443; Pub. L. 86–176, Aug. 21, 1959, 73 Stat. 401; Pub. L. 88–70, July 19, 1963, 77 Stat. 82; Pub. L. 89–90, July 27, 1965, 79 Stat. 269; Pub. L. 89–147, § 1, Aug. 28, 1965, 79 Stat. 583; Pub. L. 89–545, Aug. 27, 1966, 80 Stat. 358; Pub. L. 90–86, § 1, Sept. 17, 1967, 81 Stat. 226; Pub. L. 91–145, Dec. 12, 1969, 83 Stat. 343; Pub. L. 92–51, July 9, 1971, 85 Stat. 128; Pub. L. 92–607, ch. V, 502, 506 (k)(2), formerly 506(h)(2), Oct. 31, 1972, 86 Stat. 1504, 1508, renumbered 506(i)(2), Pub. L. 95–391, title I, § 108(a), Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 773, renumbered 506(j)(2), Pub. L. 96–304, title I, § 101, July 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 889, renumbered 506(k)(2), Pub. L. 97–276, § 101(e), Oct. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 1189, provided for reimbursement of House Members for additional transportation expenses. Section 43b-1, Pub. L. 89–147, § 2, Aug. 28, 1965, 79 Stat. 583; Pub. L. 90–86, § 2, Sept. 17, 1967, 81 Stat. 226, authorized election by House Members of lump sum transportation payments in lieu of reimbursement of transportation expenses.

2 USC 43b2 - Staff expenses for House Members attending organizational caucus or conference

(a) In general 
Each Member-elect (other than an incumbent Member reelected to the ensuing Congress) who attends a caucus or conference called under section 29a (a) of this title, and each incumbent Member reelected to the ensuing Congress who attends any such caucus or conference convening after the adjournment sine die of the Congress in the year involved, shall be entitled to designate one staff person to be paid for one round trip between that persons place of residence, provided such place of residence is in the district which the Member-elect or incumbent Member represents, and Washington, District of Columbia, for the purpose of accompanying that Member-elect or incumbent Member to such caucus or conference.
(b) Per diem expenses of staff person 
Each Member-elect (other than an incumbent Member reelected to the ensuing Congress) who attends a caucus or conference called under such section 29a (a) of this title shall be entitled to designate one staff person who shall in addition be reimbursed on a per diem or other basis for expenses incurred in accompanying the Member-elect at the time of such caucus or conference.
(c) Orientation programs for new Members 
With the approval of the majority leader (in the case of a Member or Member-elect of the majority party) or the minority leader (in the case of a Member or Member-elect of the minority party), subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall apply with respect to the attendance of a Member or Member-elect at a program conducted by the Committee on House Administration for the orientation of new members[1] in the same manner as such provisions apply to the attendance of the Member or Member-elect at the organizational caucus or conference.
[1] So in original. Probably should be capitalized.

2 USC 43b3 - Payments and reimbursements for certain House staff expenses

(a) Payments and reimbursements to staff persons under section 43b–2 of this title shall be made as provided (with respect to staff) in the regulations prescribed by the Committee on House Oversight with respect to travel and other expenses of staff. Reimbursements shall be paid on special voucher forms prescribed by the Committee on House Oversight.
(b) Additional funds, if any, for staff allowances and office space for use by Members-elect (other than an incumbent Member reelected to the ensuing Congress) shall be authorized by the Committee on House Oversight.

2 USC 43c - Repealed. Pub. L. 89147, 4, Aug. 28, 1965, 79 Stat. 584

Section, Pub. L. 86–628, § 105(c), July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 461, restricted payment of travel or subsistence expenses of Senators and Representatives to specifically authorized trips, official participation in funeral services of deceased Members, and official trips originating in Senators State or Representatives district when Congress was not in session.

2 USC 43d - Organizational expenses of Senator-elect

(a) Appointment of employees by Secretary of Senate to assist; termination of employment 
Upon the recommendation of a Senator-elect (other than an incumbent Senator or a Senator elected to fill a vacancy), the Secretary of the Senate shall appoint two employees to assist such Senator-elect. Any employee so appointed shall serve through the day before the date on which the Senator-elect recommending his appointment commences his service as a Senator, except that his employment may be terminated before such day upon recommendation of such Senator-elect.
(b) Payment of salaries of appointed employees; funding; maximum amount 

(1) Salaries of employees appointed under subsection (a) of this section shall be paid from the appropriation for Administrative, Clerical, and Legislative Assistance to Senators.
(2) Salaries paid to employees appointed upon recommendation of a Senator-elect under subsection (a) of this section shall be charged against the amount of compensation which may be paid to employees in his office under section 61–1 (d) of this title (hereinafter referred to as the clerk-hire allowance), for the fiscal year in which his service as a Senator commences. The total amount of salaries paid to employees so appointed upon recommendation of a Senator-elect shall be charged against his clerk-hire allowance for each month in such fiscal year beginning with the month in which his service as a Senator commences (until the total amount has been charged) by whichever of the following amounts is greater: (1) one-ninth of the amount of salaries so paid, or (2) the amount by which the aggregate amount of his clerk-hire allowance which may be paid as of the close of such month under section 61–1 (d)(1)(B) of this title exceeds the aggregate amount of his clerk-hire allowance actually paid as of the close of such month.
(c) Payment of transportation and per diem expenses of Senator-elect and appointed employees for one round trip from home State to Washington, D.C. for business of impending Congress; funding; maximum amount 
Each Senator-elect and each employee appointed under subsection (a) of this section is authorized one round trip from the home State of the Senator-elect to Washington, D.C., and return, for the purposes of attending conferences, caucuses, or organizational meetings, or for any other official business connected with the impending Congress. In addition, each Senator-elect and each such employee is authorized per diem for not more than seven days while en route to and from Washington, D.C., and while in Washington, D.C. Such transportation and per diem expenses shall be in the same amounts as are payable to Senators and employees in the office of a Senator under section 58 (e) of this title, and shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon itemized vouchers certified by the Senator-elect concerned and approved by the Secretary of the Senate.
(d) Payment of telegrams, telephone services, and stationery expenses 

(1) Each Senator-elect is authorized to be reimbursed for expenses incurred for telegrams, telephone services, and stationery related to his position as a Senator-elect in an amount not exceeding one-twelfth of the total amount of expenses authorized to be paid to or on behalf of a Senator from the State which he will represent under section 58 of this title. Reimbursement to a Senator-elect under this subsection shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon itemized vouchers certified by such Senator-elect and approved by the Secretary of the Senate.
(2) Amounts reimbursed to a Senator-elect under this subsection shall be charged against the amount of expenses which are authorized to be paid to him or on his behalf under section 58 of this title, for each of the twelve months beginning with the month in which his service as a Senator commences (until all of such amounts have been charged) by whichever of the following amounts is greater: (1) one-twelfth of the amounts so reimbursed, or (2) the amount by which the aggregate amount authorized to be so paid under section 58 (c) of this title as of the close of such month exceeds the aggregate amount actually paid under such section 58 as of the close of such month.
(e) Effective Date 
This section shall take effect on October 1, 1978.

44 to 46. Omitted

2 USC 46a - Stationery allowance for President of Senate

Effective April 1, 1975, and each fiscal year thereafter, the annual allowance for stationery for the President of the Senate shall be $8,000.

2 USC 46a1 - Senate revolving fund for stationery allowances; availability of unexpended balances; withdrawals

There is established within the Contingent Fund of the Senate a revolving fund which shall consist of
(1)  the unexpended balance of the appropriation Contingent Expenses, Senate, Stationery, fiscal year 1957,
(2)  any amounts hereafter appropriated for stationery allowances of the President of the Senate, and for stationery for use of officers of the Senate and the Conference of the Majority and the Conference of the Minority of the Senate, and
(3)  any undeposited amounts heretofore received, and any amounts hereafter received as proceeds of sales by the stationery room of the Senate. Any moneys in the fund shall be available until expended for use in the same manner and for the same purposes as funds heretofore appropriated to the Contingent Fund of the Senate for stationery, except that
(1)  the balance of any amount appropriated for stationery for use of committees and officers of the Senate which remains unexpended at the end of any fiscal year and
(2)  allowances which are not available for obligation due to vacancies or waiver of entitlement thereto, shall be withdrawn from the revolving fund. Disbursements from the fund shall be made upon vouchers approved by the Secretary of the Senate, or his designee.

2 USC 46a2 - Omitted

2 USC 46a3 - Repealed. Pub. L. 92607, ch. V, 506(k)(4), formerly 506(h)(4), Oct. 31, 1972, 86 Stat. 1508, renumbered 506(i)(4), Pub. L. 95391, title I, 108(a), Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 773, renumbered 506(j)(4), Pub. L. 96304, title I, 101, July 8, 1980,

Section, Pub. L. 90–417, § 106, July 23, 1968, 82 Stat. 413, placed limits on the availability of the stationery allowance for Senators. See section 58 of this title.

2 USC 46a4 - Omitted

2 USC 46b - Repealed. Pub. L. 104186, title II, 203(16), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1727

Section, acts July 2, 1954, ch. 455, title I, 68 Stat. 402; July 12, 1960, Pub. L. 86–628, 74 Stat. 452; H. Res. No. 533, Eighty-eighth Congress, Oct. 2, 1963, enacted into permanent law by act Aug. 20, 1964, Pub. L. 88–454, § 103, 78 Stat. 550; H. Res. No. 1029, Eighty-ninth Congress, Oct. 5, 1966; H. Res. No. 112, Ninetieth Congress, Mar. 8, 1967, enacted into permanent law by act May 29, 1967, Pub. L. 90–21, title I, 81 Stat. 38, related to stationery allowance for House Members. Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in the following prior acts: Aug. 1, 1953, ch. 304, title I, 67 Stat. 324. July 9, 1952, ch. 598, 66 Stat. 469. Oct. 11, 1951, ch. 486, 65 Stat. 394. Sept. 6, 1950, ch. 896, Ch. II, 64 Stat. 600. June 22, 1949, ch. 235, 63 Stat. 221. June 14, 1948, ch. 467, 62 Stat. 428. July 17, 1947, ch. 262, 61 Stat. 366. June 16, 1939, ch. 208, 53 Stat. 830.

2 USC 46b1 - House revolving fund for stationery allowances; disposition of moneys from stationery sales; availability of unexpended balances

There is established a revolving fund for the purpose of administering the funds appropriated for stationery allowances to each Representative, Delegate, the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico; and stationery for use of the committees, departments, and officers of the House. All moneys hereafter received by the stationery room of the House of Representatives from the sale of stationery supplies and other equipment shall be deposited in the revolving fund and shall be available for disbursement from the fund in the same manner as other sums that may be appropriated by the Congress for this purpose. The unexpended balance of all moneys heretofore received by the stationery room of the House of Representatives from the sale of stationery supplies and equipment shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States to the credit of the fund: Provided, That the unexpended balances in the appropriations Contingent expenses, House of Representatives, stationery, 19451946; Contingent expenses, House of Representatives, stationery, 1946; Contingent expenses, House of Representatives, stationery, 194748, as of June 30, 1947, shall be transferred to and made available for expenditure out of the fund, together with appropriations herein or hereafter made therefor, to remain available until expended.

2 USC 46b2 - Repealed. Pub. L. 104186, title II, 203(17), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1727

Section, act Feb. 27, 1956, ch. 73, 70 Stat. 31, provided for prorated stationery allowance for House Members.

46c, 46d. Repealed. Pub. L. 9057, July 28, 1967, 81 Stat. 129

Section 46c, acts June 13, 1945, ch. 189, 59 Stat. 244; July 1, 1946, ch. 530, 60 Stat. 392; Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, title I, 102, 60 Stat. 814; Nov. 1, 1951, ch. 665, Ch. 1, 65 Stat. 760; Aug. 1, 1953, ch. 304, title I, 67 Stat. 321; June 27, 1956, ch. 453, 70 Stat. 360; Jan. 6, 1964, Pub. L. 88–258, title IV, 77 Stat. 863; July 27, 1965, Pub. L. 89–90, 79 Stat. 268; Aug. 27, 1966, Pub. L. 89–545, 80 Stat. 357, provided for payment of long-distance telephone calls for Senators and Vice President made to and from Washington, D.C. See section 58 of this title. Section 46d, acts June 13, 1945, ch. 189, 59 Stat. 244; July 1, 1946, ch. 530, 60 Stat. 392; Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, title I, 102, 60 Stat. 814; Aug. 1, 1953, ch. 304, title I, 67 Stat. 321; July 2, 1954, ch. 455, title I, 68 Stat. 400; July 31, 1958, Pub. L. 85–570, 72 Stat. 442; July 27, 1965, Pub. L. 89–90, 79 Stat. 268, provided for payment from contingent fund of Senate of long-distance telephone calls for Senators, originating and terminating outside Washington, D.C., and additional payments for calls to or from Washington, D.C. See section 58 of this title.

2 USC 46d1 - Long-distance telephone calls for Vice President

Commencing January 20, 1949, the provisions of existing law relating to long-distance telephone calls for Senators shall be equally applicable to the Vice President of the United States.

2 USC 46d2 - Repealed. Pub. L. 9057, July 28, 1967, 81 Stat. 130

Section, Pub. L. 89–90, § 101, July 27, 1965, 79 Stat. 268, provided for computation of long-distance telephone calls for Senators, wide area telephone service contracts, and effective date of changes. See section 58 of this title.

2 USC 46d3 - Repealed. Pub. L. 92184, ch. IV, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 635

Section, Pub. L. 90–21, title I, May 29, 1967, 81 Stat. 38, made contingent fund of Senate available for reimbursement of each Senator of strictly official telephone service charges incurred outside District of Columbia up to $300 in each fiscal quarter. See section 58 of this title.

2 USC 46d4 - Repealed. Pub. L. 92607, ch. V, 506(k)(5), formerly 506(h)(5), Oct. 31, 1972, 86 Stat. 1508, renumbered 506(i)(5), Pub. L. 95391, title I, 108(a), Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 773, renumbered 506(j)(5), Pub. L. 96304, title I, 101, July 8, 1980,

Section, Pub. L. 90–57, July 28, 1967, 81 Stat. 130, authorized payment from contingent fund of Senate of charges for long distance telephone calls by Senators. See section 58 of this title.

2 USC 46d5 - Repealed. Pub. L. 92342, July 10, 1972, 86 Stat. 435

Section, Pub. L. 91–382, Aug. 18, 1970, 84 Stat. 810, related to reimbursement to Senators and President of Senate of official telephone and telegraph communications charges incurred by them or on their behalf out of contingent fund of Senate up to a maximum of $150 per annum.

2 USC 46e - Repealed. Pub. L. 92607, ch. V, 506(k)(6), formerly 506(h)(6), Oct. 31, 1972, 86 Stat. 1508, renumbered 506(i)(6), Pub. L. 95391, title I, 108(a), Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 773, renumbered 506(j)(6), Pub. L. 96304, title I, 101, July 8, 1980, 9

Section, acts July 1, 1946, ch. 530, 60 Stat. 392; Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, title I, 102, 60 Stat. 814, authorized the payment of charges for telegrams by Senators. See section 58 of this title.

2 USC 46f - Repealed. Pub. L. 104186, title II, 203(18)(A), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1727

Section, acts June 23, 1949, ch. 238, 1, 63 Stat. 264; May 29, 1951, ch. 117, 1, 65 Stat. 47; Mar. 10, 1953, ch. 6, 1, 67 Stat. 5; Feb. 27, 1956, ch. 74, 1, 70 Stat. 31; Sept. 21, 1959, Pub. L. 86–340, § 1, 73 Stat. 605, related to telephone, telegraph, and radiotelegraph allowances for Representatives, Delegates, and Resident Commissioner.

2 USC 46f1 - Repealed. Feb. 27, 1956, ch. 74, 2(b), 70 Stat. 32

Section, act July 2, 1954, ch. 455, title I, 68 Stat. 402, fixed maximum minute allowance on long distance telephone calls of House Members, Delegates, and Resident Commissioner.

46g, 46g1. Repealed. Pub. L. 104186, title II, 203(18)(B), (19), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1727, 1728

Section 46g, acts June 23, 1949, ch. 238, 2, 63 Stat. 265; May 29, 1951, ch. 117, 1, 65 Stat. 47; July 8, 1952, ch. 590, 1, 66 Stat. 443; Mar. 10, 1953, ch. 6, 1, 67 Stat. 5; Feb. 27, 1956, ch. 74, 2(a), (c), 70 Stat. 32; Sept. 4, 1957, Pub. L. 85–289, § 1, 71 Stat. 614; Sept. 21, 1959, Pub. L. 86–340, § 2, 73 Stat. 605; H. Res. No. 735, Eighty-seventh Congress, July 25, 1962, enacted into permanent law by act Dec. 30, 1963, Pub. L. 88–248, § 103, 77 Stat. 817; H. Res. No. 531, Eighty-eighth Congress, Oct. 2, 1963, enacted into permanent law by act Aug. 20, 1964, Pub. L. 88–454, § 103, 78 Stat. 550; Aug. 21, 1965, Pub. L. 89–131, § 1, 79 Stat. 544; H. Res. No. 901, Eighty-ninth Congress, July 29, 1966, enacted into permanent law by act Oct. 27, 1966, Pub. L. 89–697, ch. VI, 80 Stat. 1064, related to telephone, telegraph, and radiotelegraph allowances for House Members. Section 46g–1, based on H. Res. No. 418, 1, Ninety-second Congress, May 18, 1971, enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 92–184, ch. IV, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 636, related to telephone allowances for House Members for strictly official telephone service. A prior section 46g-1, based on H. Res. No. 161, Ninetieth Congress, May 11, 1967, enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 90–392, title I, July 9, 1968, 82 Stat. 318, was repealed by H. Res. No. 418, 3, Ninety-second Congress, May 18, 1971, enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 92–184, ch. IV, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 636, effective Dec. 15, 1971.

2 USC 46h - Repealed. May 29, 1951, ch. 117, 2, 65 Stat. 47, eff. July 1, 1951

Section, act June 23, 1949, ch. 238, 3, 63 Stat. 265, related to limitation on charging telegrams to official business of the House.

2 USC 46i - Repealed. Pub. L. 104186, title II, 203(18)(C), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1728

Section, acts June 23, 1949, ch. 238, 6, 63 Stat. 265; May 29, 1951, ch. 117, 3, 65 Stat. 47, defined terms used in former section 46g of this title.

2 USC 47 - Mode of payment

The compensation of Members and Delegates shall be passed as public accounts, and paid out of the public Treasury.

2 USC 48 - Certification of salary and mileage accounts

Salary and mileage accounts of Representatives and Delegates shall be certified by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and such certificates shall be conclusive upon all the departments and officers of the Government.

2 USC 49 - Certificate of salary during recess

The Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to sign, during the recess of Congress after the first session and until the first day of the second session, the certificates for the monthly compensation of Members and Delegates in Congress, which certificate shall be in the form in use on August 15, 1876, and shall have the like force and effect as is given to the certificate of the Speaker.

2 USC 50 - Substitute to sign certificates for salary and accounts

The Speaker is authorized to designate from time to time some one from among those appointed by him and appropriated for and employed in his office, whose duty it shall be under the direction of the Speaker to sign in his name and for him all certificates required by section 48 of this title for salary and accounts for traveling expenses in going to and returning from Congress of Representatives and Delegates.

2 USC 51 - Monuments to deceased Senators or House Members

Whenever any deceased Senator or Member of the House of Representatives shall be actually interred in the Congressional Cemetery, so-called, it shall be the duty of the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, in the case of a Senator, and of the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives, in the case of a Member of the House, to have a monument erected, of granite, with suitable inscriptions, and the cost of the same shall be a charge upon and paid out either from the contingent funds of the Senate or of the House of Representatives, to whichever the deceased may have belonged, and any existing omissions of monuments or inscriptions, as aforesaid, are directed and authorized to be supplied in like manner.

52, 53. Repealed. Pub. L. 92607, ch. V, 506(k)(7), formerly 506(h)(7), Oct. 31, 1972, 86 Stat. 1508, redesignated 506(i)(7), Pub. L. 95391, title I, 108(a), Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 773, redesignated 506(j)(7), Pub. L. 96304, title I, 101, July 8, 1980, 9

Section 52, Pub. L. 92–184, ch. IV, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 634, provided for office space for Senators in their home states. See section 58 of this title. Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriations acts: June 27, 1956, ch. 453, 70 Stat. 359, as amended Pub. L. 89–211, § 1(b), Sept. 29, 1965, 79 Stat. 857. Aug. 5, 1955, ch. 568, 69 Stat. 504. July 2, 1954, ch. 455, title I, 68 Stat. 399. Aug. 1, 1953, ch. 304, title I, 67 Stat. 321. July 9, 1952, ch. 598, 66 Stat. 466. Oct. 11, 1951, ch. 485, 65 Stat. 391. Sept. 6, 1950, ch. 896, Ch. II, 64 Stat. 597. June 22, 1949, ch. 235, 63 Stat. 219. June 14, 1948, ch. 467, 62 Stat. 425. Section 53, Pub. L. 92–184, ch. IV, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 634, provided for payment of office expenses of Senators in their home states. See section 58 of this title. Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriations acts: June 27, 1956, ch. 453, 70 Stat. 359, as amended Pub. L. 89–90, July 27, 1965, 79 Stat. 269; Pub. L. 91–145, Dec. 12, 1969, 83 Stat. 343. Aug. 5, 1955, ch. 568, 69 Stat. 504. July 2, 1954, ch. 455, title I, 68 Stat. 399.

2 USC 54 - Annotated United States Code for Members of House of Representatives to be paid for from Members Representational Allowance

(a) In general 
The Clerk of the House of Representatives shall, at the request of a Member of the House of Representatives, furnish to the Member, for official use only, one set of a privately published annotated version of the United States Code, including supplements and pocket parts. The furnishing of a set of the United States Code under this section shall be in lieu of any distribution under section 212 of title 1 and shall be paid for from the Members Representational Allowance.
(b) “Member of the House of Representatives” defined 
As used in this section, the term Member of the House of Representatives means a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress.
(c) Regulations 
The Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives shall have authority to prescribe regulations to carry out this section.

2 USC 55 - United States Code Annotated or United States Code Service; procurement for Senators

In lieu of the volumes of the Code of Laws of the United States, and the supplements thereto, supplied a Senator under section 212 of title 1, the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to supply to a Senator upon written request of, and as specified by, that Senator
(1) one copy of each of the volumes of the United States Code Annotated being published at the time the Senator takes office, and, as long as that Senator holds office, one copy of each replacement volume, each annual pocket part, and each pamphlet supplementing each such pocket part to the United States Code Annotated; or
(2) one copy of each of the volumes of the United States Code Service being published at the time the Senator takes office, and, as long as the Senator holds office, one copy of each replacement volume and each pocket supplement to the United States Code Service.

A Senator is entitled to make a written request under this paragraph and be supplied such volumes, pocket parts, and supplements the first time he takes office as a Senator and each time thereafter he takes office as a Senator after a period of time during which he has not been a Senator. In submitting such written request, the Senator shall certify that the volumes, pocket parts, or supplements he is to be supplied are to be for his exclusive, personal use. A Senator holding office on July 9, 1971, shall be entitled to file a written request and receive the volumes, pocket parts, and supplements, as the case may be, referred to in this paragraph if such request is filed within 60 days after July 9, 1971. Expenses incurred under this authorization shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate.

2 USC 56 - Repealed. Pub. L. 104186, title II, 203(20)(A), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1728

Section, based on H. Res. No. 418, 2, Ninety-second Congress, May 18, 1971, enacted into permanent law by Pub. L. 92–184, ch. IV, Dec. 15, 1971, 85 Stat. 636, related to office expenses within District of Columbia of Delegate from District of Columbia.

2 USC 57 - Adjustment of House of Representatives allowances by Committee on House Oversight

(a) In general 
Subject to the provision of law specified in subsection (b) of this section, the Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives may, by order of the Committee, fix and adjust the amounts, terms, and conditions of, and other matters relating to, allowances of the House of Representatives within the following categories:
(1) For Members of the House of Representatives, the Members Representational Allowance, including all aspects of official mail within the jurisdiction of the Committee under section 59e of this title.
(2) For committees, the Speaker, the Majority and Minority Leaders, the Clerk, the Sergeant at Arms, and the Chief Administrative Officer, allowances for official mail (including all aspects of official mail within the jurisdiction of the Committee under section 59e of this title), stationery, and telephone and telegraph and other communications.
(b) Provision specified 
The provision of law referred to in subsection (a) of this section is section 57a of this title.
(c) “Member of the House of Representatives” defined 
As used in this section, the term Member of the House of Representatives means a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress.
[1] Rescinded. See Committee Order No. 12.

2 USC 57a - Limitation on allowance authority of Committee on House Oversight

(a) In general 
An order under the provision of law specified in subsection (c) of this section may fix or adjust the allowances of the House of Representatives only by reason of
(1) a change in the price of materials, services, or office space;
(2) a technological change or other improvement in office equipment; or
(3) an increase under section 5303 of title 5 in rates of pay under the General Schedule.
(b) Resolution requirement 
In the case of reasons other than the reasons specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a) of this section, the fixing and adjustment of the allowances of the House of Representatives in the categories described in the provision of law specified in subsection (c) of this section may be carried out only by resolution of the House of Representatives.
(c) Provision specified 
The provision of law referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section is section 57 of this title.

2 USC 57b - Representational allowance for Members of House of Representatives

(a) In general 
There is established for the House of Representatives a single allowance, to be known as the Members Representational Allowance, which shall be available to support the conduct of the official and representational duties of a Member of the House of Representatives with respect to the district from which the Member is elected.
(b) Merger 
The Clerk Hire Allowance, the Official Expenses Allowance, and the Official Mail Allowance, as in effect on the day before September 1, 1995, are merged into the Members Representational Allowance.
(c) “Member of the House of Representatives” defined 
As used in this section, the term Member of the House of Representatives means a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress.
(d) Regulations 
The Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives shall have authority to prescribe regulations to carry out this section.
(e) Effective date 
This section shall take effect on September 1, 1995 and shall apply with respect to official and representational duties carried out on or after that date.

2 USC 58 - Mail, telegraph, telephone, stationery, office supplies, and home State office and travel expenses for Senators

(a) Authorization for payment from Senate contingent fund 
The contingent fund of the Senate is made available for payment (including reimbursement) to or on behalf of each Senator, upon certification of the Senator, for the following expenses incurred by the Senator and his staff:
(1) telecommunications equipment and services subject to such regulations as may be promulgated by the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate;
(2) 
(A) stationery and other office supplies procured for use for official business, and
(B) metered charges for use of copying equipment provided by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate;
(3) [
(A)  Repealed. Pub. L. 101–520, title I, § 11, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2260]
(B)  postage on, and fees and charges in connection with official mail matter sent through the mail other than the franking privilege upon certification by the Senate Sergeant at Arms and subject to such regulations as may be promulgated by the Committee on Rules and Administration, and
(C)  costs incurred in the preparation of required official reports, and the acquisition of mailing lists to be used for official purposes, and in the mailing, delivery, or transmitting of matters relating to official business;
(4) official office expenses incurred (other than for equipment and furniture and expenses described in paragraphs (1) through (3)) for an office in his home State;
(5) expenses incurred for publications printed or recorded in any way for auditory and visual use (including subscriptions to books, newspapers, magazines, clipping, and other information services);
(6) subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section, reimbursement of travel expenses incurred by the Senator and employees in his office;
(7) expenses incurred for additional office equipment and services related thereto (but not including personal services), in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate;
(8) charges officially incurred for recording and photographic services and products; and
(9) such other official expenses as the Senator determines to be necessary.

Payment under this section shall be made only upon presentation of itemized vouchers for expenses incurred and, in the case of expenses paid or reimbursed under paragraphs (6) and (9), only upon presentation of detailed itemized vouchers for such expenses. Vouchers presented for payment under this section shall be accompanied by such documentation as is required under regulations promulgated by the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate. No payment shall be made under paragraph (4) or (9) for any expense incurred for entertainment or meals.

(b) Limits for authorized expenses; recalculation formula 

(1) 
(A) Except as is otherwise provided in the succeeding paragraphs of this subsection and subject to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the total amount of expenses authorized to be paid to or on behalf of a Senator under this section shall not exceed for calendar year 1977 or any calendar year thereafter an amount equal to one-half of the sum of the amounts authorized to be paid under this section on the day before August 5, 1977, to or on behalf of both of the Senators from the State which he represents, increased by an amount equal to twenty percent thereof and rounded to the next higher multiple of $1,000.
(B) In the event that the term of office of a Senator begins after the first month of any such calendar year or ends (except by reason of death, resignation, or expulsion) before the last month of any such calendar year, the aggregate amount available to such Senator for such year shall be the aggregate amount computed under paragraph (1) of this subsection, divided by 12, and multiplied by the number of months in such year which are included in the Senators term of office, counting any fraction of a month as a full month.
(2) 
(A) In the case of the period which commences January 1, 1988, and ends September 30, 1988, the total of
(i) the expenses paid to or on behalf of a Senator under this section for such period, plus
(ii) the aggregate amount of gross compensation which is paid to employees in the office of such Senator for such period (as determined for purposes of section 61–1 (d) of this title), shall not exceed the aggregate of
(iii) subject to subparagraph (B), an amount equal to 75 percent of the amount of the authorized expenses under this section for the calendar year ending December 31, 1987, as determined in the case of a Senator, who represents the State which such Senator represents, whose term of office included all of such calendar year, plus
(iv) the amount by which
(I)  the aggregate of the gross compensation which may be paid to employees in the office of such Senator for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1988, pursuant to the limitations imposed by section 61–1 (d) of this title (as determined without regard to paragraph (1)(B) thereof), exceeds
(II)  the aggregate amount of gross compensation which is paid to employees in the office of such Senator for that part of such fiscal year which precedes January 1, 1988.
(B) In the event that the term of office of a Senator begins after the first month of the period which commences January 1, 1988, and ends September 30, 1988, or ends (except by reason of death, resignation, or expulsion) before the last month of such period, the amount computed pursuant to subparagraph (A)(iii) of this paragraph (but before application of this subparagraph) shall be recalculated as follows: such amount, as computed under subparagraph (A)(iii) of this paragraph, shall be divided by 9, and multiplied by the number of months in such period which are included in the Senators term of office, counting any fraction of a month as a full month.
(3) 
(A) In the case of the fiscal year beginning October 1, 1988, or any fiscal year thereafter, the total of
(i) the expenses paid to or on behalf of a Senator under this section for such fiscal year, plus
(ii) the aggregate amount of gross compensation which is paid to employees in the office of such Senator for such fiscal year (as determined for purposes of section 61–1 (d) of this title), shall not exceed the aggregate of
(iii) subject to subparagraph (B)
(I) in case the Senator represents Alabama, $116,300, Alaska, $221,600, Arizona, $128,975, Arkansas, $118,250, California, $168,950, Colorado, $124,100, Connecticut, $105,575, Delaware, $95,825, Florida, $120,200, Georgia, $116,300, Hawaii, $245,000, Idaho, $128,000, Illinois, $138,725, Indiana, $116,300, Iowa, $119,225, Kansas, $119,225, Kentucky, $115,325, Louisiana, $120,200, Maine, $110,450, Maryland, $100,700, Massachusetts, $114,350, Michigan, $124,100, Minnesota, $120,200, Mississippi, $118,250, Missouri, $121,175, Montana, $128,000, Nebraska, $120,200, Nevada, $129,950, New Hampshire, $106,550, New Jersey, $110,450, New Mexico, $125,075, New York, $145,550, North Carolina, $112,400, North Dakota, $119,225, Ohio, $129,950, Oklahoma, $123,125, Oregon, $132,875, Pennsylvania, $128,975, Rhode Island, $104,600, South Carolina, $110,450, South Dakota, $120,200, Tennessee, $116,300, Texas, $149,450, Utah, $128,000, Vermont, $105,575, Virginia, $106,550, Washington, $135,800, West Virginia, $105,575, Wisconsin, $119,225, Wyoming, $123,125, plus
(II) the amount that is equal to the Senators share for the fiscal year, as determined in accordance with regulations of the Committee on Rules and Administration, of the amount made available within the Senators Official Personnel and Office Expense Account in the contingent fund of the Senate for official mail expenses of Senators, plus
(iv) the aggregate of the gross compensation which may be paid to employees in the office of such Senator for such fiscal year, under the limitations imposed by section 61–1 (d) of this title, but without regard to the provisions of paragraph (1)(C)(iv) thereof.
(B) In the event that the term of office of a Senator begins after the first month of any such fiscal year or ends (except by reason of death, resignation, or expulsion) before the last month of any such fiscal year, the amount referred to in subparagraph (A)(iii)(I) shall be recalculated as follows: such amount, as computed under subparagraph (iii), shall be divided by 12, and multiplied by the number of months in such year which are included in the Senators term of office, counting any fraction of a month as a full month; and the amount referred to in subparagraph (A)(iii)(II) shall be recalculated in accordance with regulations of the Committee on Rules and Administration.
(c) Repealed. Pub. L. 97–51, § 122, Oct. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 965 
(d) Repealed. Pub. L. 93–371, § 101(3)(e), Aug. 13, 1974, 88 Stat. 429 
(e) Transportation, essential travel-related expenses, and per diem expenses; coverage; limitations; amounts 
Subject to and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, a Senator and the employees in his office shall be reimbursed under this section for travel expenses incurred by the Senator or employee while traveling on official business within the United States. The term travel expenses includes actual transportation expenses, essential travel-related expenses, and, where applicable, per diem expenses (but not in excess of actual expenses). A Senator or an employee of the Senator shall not be reimbursed for any travel expenses (other than actual transportation expenses) for any travel occurring during the sixty days immediately before the date of any primary or general election (whether regular, special, or runoff) in which the Senator is a candidate for public office (within the meaning of section 431 (b)1 of this title, unless his candidacy in such election is uncontested. For purposes of this subsection and subsection (a)(6) of this section, an employee in the Office of the President pro tempore, Deputy President pro tempore, Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Majority Whip, Minority Whip, Secretary of the Conference of the Majority, or Secretary of the Conference of the Minority shall be considered to be an employee in the office of the Senator holding such office.
(f) Omitted 
(g) Closing of deceased Senator’s State offices 
In the case of the death of any Senator, the chairman of the Committee on Rules and Administration may certify for such deceased Senator for any portion of such sum already obligated but not certified to at the time of such Senators death, and for any additional amount which may be reasonably needed for the purpose of closing such deceased Senators State offices, for payment to the person or persons designated as entitled to such payment by such chairman.
(h) Individuals serving on panels or other bodies recommending nominees for Federal judgeships, service academies, United States Attorneys, or United States Marshals 
For purposes of subsections (a) and (e) of this section, an individual who is selected by a Senator to serve on a panel or other body to make recommendations for nominees to one or more Federal judgeships or to one or more service academies or one or more positions of United States Attorney or United States Marshal shall be considered to be an employee in the office of that Senator with respect to travel and official expenses incurred in performing duties as a member of such panel or other body, and shall be reimbursed
(A)  for actual transportation expenses and per diem expenses (but not exceeding actual travel expenses) incurred while traveling in performing such duties within the Senators home State or between that State and Washington, District of Columbia, and each of the service academies,
(B)  for official expenses incurred in performing such duties. For purposes of this subsection and subsection (a) of this section, official expenses means expenses of the type for which reimbursement may be made to an employee in the office of a Senator when traveling on business of a committee of which that Senator is a member, and, for accounting purposes, such expenses shall be treated as expenses for which reimbursement may be made under subsection (a)(4) of this section.
(i) Authorization of Secretary of Senate to pay reimbursable expenses 
Whenever a Senator or an employee in his office has incurred an expense for which reimbursement may be made under this section, the Secretary of the Senate is authorized to make payment to that Senator or employee for the expense incurred, subject to the same terms and conditions as apply to reimbursement of the expense under this section.
(j) Advances from Senate contingent fund for travel expenses for official business trips; vouchers; settlement 
Whenever a Senator or employee of his office plans an official business trip with respect to which reimbursement for travel expenses is authorized under the preceding provisions of section (a), the Senator (or such an employee who has been designated by the Senator to do so) may, prior to the commencement of such trip and in accordance with applicable regulations of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, obtain from any moneys in the contingent fund of the Senate which are available to him for purposes specified in subsection (a)(6) of this section, such advance sum as he shall certify (and be accountable for), to the Secretary of the Senate, to be necessary to defray some or all of the expenses to be incurred on such trip which expenses are reimbursable under the preceding provisions of this section. The receipt by any Senator for any sum so advanced to him or his order out of the contingent fund of the Senate by the Secretary of the Senate shall be taken and passed by the accounting officers of the Government as a full and sufficient voucher; but it shall be the duty of such Senator (or employee of his office, as the case may be), as soon as practicable, to furnish to the Secretary of the Senate a detailed voucher of the expenses incurred for the travel with respect to which the sum was so advanced, and make settlement with respect to such sum.
[1] So in original. Probably should be section “431(2)”.

2 USC 58a - Telecommunications services for Senators; payment of costs out of contingent fund

The Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate shall furnish each Senator local and long-distance telecommunications services in Washington, District of Columbia, and in such Senators State in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration; and the costs of such service shall be paid out of the contingent fund of the Senate from moneys made available to him for that purpose.

2 USC 58a1 - Payment for telecommunications equipment and services; definitions

As used in sections 58a–1 to 58a–3 of this title, the term
(1) Sergeant at Arms means the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the United States Senate; and
(2) user means any Senator, Officer of the Senate, Committee, office, or entity provided telephone equipment and services by the Sergeant at Arms.

2 USC 58a2 - Certification of telecommunications equipment and services as official

(a) Regulations issued by Committee on Rules and Administration 
Subject to such regulations as may hereafter be issued by the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms shall have the authority, with respect to telephone equipment and services provided to any user on a reimbursable basis (including repair or replacement), solely for the purposes of this section, to make such certification as may be necessary to establish such services and equipment as official, issue invoices in conjunction therewith, and receive payment for such services and equipment by certification, voucher, or otherwise.
(b) Equipment and services provided on reimbursable basis 
For purposes of sections 58a–1 to 58a–3 of this title, telephone equipment and services provided to any user for which payment, prior to October 1, 1987, was not authorized from the contingent fund of the Senate shall, on and after October 1, 1987, be considered telephone equipment and services provided on a reimbursable basis for which payment may be obtained from such fund in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
(c) Establishment of reasonable charges 
Subject to the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration, the Sergeant at Arms may establish reasonable charges for telephone equipment and services provided to any user which may be in addition to that regularly authorized by the Committee.
(d) Disposition of moneys received 
All moneys, derived from payments for telephone equipment and services provided from funds from the Appropriation Account within the contingent fund of the Senate for Contingent Expenses, Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate under the line item for Telecommunications (including receipts from carriers and others for loss or damage to such services or equipment for which repair or replacement has been provided by the Sergeant at Arms), and all other moneys received by the Sergeant at Arms as charges or commissions for telephone services, shall be deposited in and made a part of such Appropriation Account and under such line item, and shall be available for expenditure or obligation, or both, in like manner and subject to the same limitations as any other moneys in such account and under such line item.
(e) Committee authority to classify or reclassify equipment and services 
Nothing in sections 58a–1 to 58a–3 of this title shall be construed as limiting or otherwise affecting the authority of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate to classify or reclassify telephone equipment and services provided to any user as equipment or services for which reimbursement may or may not be required.

2 USC 58a3 - Report on telecommunications to Committee on Rules and Administration

The Sergeant at Arms shall report to the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, at such time or times, and in such form and manner, as the Committee may direct, on expenditures made, and revenues received, pursuant to sections 58a–1 to 58a–3 of this title. It shall be the function of the Sergeant at Arms to advise the Committee, as soon as possible, of any dispute regarding payments to and from such Appropriation Account as related to the line item for Telecommunications, including any amounts due and unpaid by any user, if any such dispute has remained unresolved for a period of at least 60 days.

2 USC 58a4 - Metered charges on copiers; Sergeant at Arms and user defined; certification of services and equipment as official; deposit of payments; availability for expenditure

(a) As used in this section, the term
(1) Sergeant at Arms means the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the United States Senate; and
(2) user means any Senator, Officer of the Senate, Committee, office, or entity provided copiers by the Sergeant at Arms.
(b) 
(1) Subject to such regulations as may on and after November 5, 1990, be issued by the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms shall have the authority, with respect to metered charges on copying equipment provided by the Sergeant at Arms, solely for the purposes of this section, to make such certification as may be necessary to establish such services and equipment as official, issue invoices in conjunction therewith, and receive payment for such services and equipment by certification, voucher, or otherwise.
(2) All moneys, derived from the payment of metered charges on copying equipment provided from funds from the Appropriation Account within the contingent fund of the Senate for Contingent Expenses, Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate under the line item for the Service Department, shall be deposited in and made a part of such Appropriation Account and under such line item, and shall be available for expenditure or obligation, or both, in like manner and subject to the same limitations as any other moneys in such account and under such line item.

2 USC 58b - Repealed. Pub. L. 100137, 2, Oct. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 819

Section, Pub. L. 97–12, title I, § 110, June 5, 1981, 95 Stat. 62; Pub. L. 97–51, § 125, Oct. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 965; Pub. L. 98–367, title I, § 11(a), July 17, 1984, 98 Stat. 476; Pub. L. 99–349, title I, § 2(a), (b), July 2, 1986, 100 Stat. 741, 742, provided for transfer to a Senators Official Office Expense Account of that Senators clerk hire allowance funds remaining at end of fiscal year. See section 58c of this title.

2 USC 58c - Senators Official Personnel and Office Expense Account

(1) Effective January 1, 1988, there shall be, within the contingent fund of the Senate, a separate appropriation account to be known as the Senators Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (hereinafter in this section referred to as the Senators Account).
(2) The Senators Account shall be used for the funding of all items, activities, and expenses which, immediately prior to January 1, 1988, were funded under either
(A)  the Senate appropriation account for Administrative, Clerical, and Legislative Assistance Allowance to Senators (hereinafter in this section referred to as the Senators Clerk Hire Allowance Account) under the headings SENATE and Salaries, Officers and Employees, or
(B)  that part of the account, within the contingent fund of the Senate, for Miscellaneous Items (hereinafter in this section referred to as the Senators Official Office Expense Account) which is available for allocation to Senatorial Official Office Expense Accounts. In addition, the Senators Account shall be used for the funding of agency contributions payable with respect to compensation payable by such account, but moneys appropriated to such account for this purpose shall not be available for any other purpose. The account, which in clause (A) of the first sentence of this paragraph is identified as the Senators Clerk Hire Allowance Account and the account, which in clause (B) of such sentence is identified as the Senators Official Office Expense Account shall, when referred to in other law, rule, regulation, or order (whether referred to by such name or any other) shall on and after January 1, 1988, be deemed to refer to the Senators Official Personnel and Office Expense Account.
(3) 
(A) Effective on January 1, 1988, there shall be transferred to the Senators Account from the Senators Clerk Hire Allowance Account all funds therein which were available for expenditure or obligation during the fiscal year ending September 30, 1988, and from the Senators Official Office Expense Account so much of the funds therein as was available for expenditure or obligation for the period commencing January 1, 1988, and ending September 30, 1988; except that the Senators Official Office Expense Account shall remain in being solely for the purpose of being available to pay for any authorized item, activity, or expense, for which funds therein had been obligated, but not paid, prior to such transfer.
(B) Any of the funds transferred to the Senators Account from the Senators Clerk Hire Allowance Account pursuant to subparagraph (A) which, prior to such transfer, had been obligated, but not expended, for any authorized item, activity, or expense, shall be available to pay for such item, activity, or expense in like manner as if such transfer had not been made.
(4) On January 1, 1988, there shall be transferred to the Senators Account, from the appropriation account for Agency Contributions, under the headings SENATE and Salaries, Officers and Employees, so much of the moneys in such account as was appropriated for the purpose of making agency contributions for administrative, clerical, and legislative assistance to Senators with respect to compensation payable for the period commencing January 1, 1988, and ending September 30, 1988; and the moneys so transferred shall be available only for the payment of such agency contributions with respect to such compensation.
(5) Vouchers shall not be required for the disbursement, from the Senators Account, of salaries of employees in the office of a Senator.
(6) Effective on and after October 1, 1997, the Senators Account shall be available for the payment of franked mail expenses of Senators.

2 USC 58c1 - Repealed. Pub. L. 10555, title I, 3(c)(1), Oct. 7, 1997, 111 Stat. 1180

Section, Pub. L. 101–520, title I, § 12, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2260; Pub. L. 102–392, title III, § 313, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1723; Pub. L. 103–69, title I, § 3, Aug. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 695, related to transfer of funds by Members of Senate from Senate Official Mail Costs Account to Senators Official Personnel and Office Expense Account.

2 USC 59 - Home State office space for Senators; lease of office space

(a) Procurement by Sergeant at Arms of Senate in places designated by Senator; places subject to use; lease of office space 

(1) The Sergeant at Arms of the Senate shall secure for each Senator office space suitable for the Senators official use in places designated by the Senator in the State he represents. That space shall be secured in post offices or other Federal buildings at such places. In the event suitable office space is not available in post offices or other Federal buildings, the Sergeant at Arms shall secure other office space in those places.
(2) The Senator may lease, on behalf of the United States Senate, the office space so secured for a term not extending beyond the term of office which he is serving on the first day of such lease, except that, in the case of a Senator whose term of office is expiring and who has been elected for another term, such lease may extend until the end of the term for which he has been so elected. Each such lease shall contain a provision permitting its cancellation upon sixty days written notice by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, in the event of the death or resignation of the Senator. A copy of each such lease shall be furnished to the Sergeant at Arms. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require the Sergeant at Arms to enter into or execute any lease for or on behalf of a Senator.
(b) Maximum amount of aggregate square feet for each Senator 
The aggregate square feet of office space secured for Senator shall not at any time exceed
(1) 5,000 square feet if the population of the State of the Senator is less than 3,000,000;
(2) 5,200 square feet if such population is 3,000,000 but less than 4,000,000;
(3) 5,400 square feet if such population is 4,000,000 but less than 5,000,000;
(4) 5,800 square feet if such population is 5,000,000 but less than 7,000,000;
(5) 6,200 square feet if such population is 7,000,000 but less than 9,000,000;
(6) 6,400 square feet if such population is 9,000,000 but less than 10,000,000;
(7) 6,600 square feet if such population is 10,000,000 but less than 11,000,000;
(8) 6,800 square feet if such population is 11,000,000 but less than 12,000,000;
(9) 7,000 square feet if such population is 12,000,000 but less than 13,000,000;
(10) 7,400 square feet if such population is 13,000,000 but less than 15,000,000;
(11) 7,800 square feet if such population is 15,000,000 but less than 17,000,000; or
(12) 8,200 square feet if such population is 17,000,000 or more.
(c) Maximum annual rental rate; maximum aggregate amount for acquisition of furniture, equipment, and other office furnishings 

(1) The maximum annual rate that may be paid for the rental of an office secured for a Senator not in a post office or other Federal building shall not exceed the highest rate per square foot charged Federal agencies on the first day of the lease of such office by the Administrator of General Services, based upon a 100 percent building quality rating, for office space located in the place in which the Senators office is located, multiplied by the number of square feet contained in that office used by the Senator and his employees to perform their duties.
(2) The aggregate amount that may be paid for the acquisition of furniture, equipment, and other office furnishings heretofore provided by the Administrator of General Services for one or more offices secured for the Senator is $40,000 if the aggregate square feet of office space is not in excess of 5,000 square feet. Such amount is increased by $1,000 for each authorized additional incremental increase in office space of 200 square feet. Effective beginning with the 106th Congress, the aggregate amount in effect under this paragraph for any Congress shall be increased by the inflation adjustment factor for the calendar year in which the Congress begins. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the inflation adjustment factor for any calendar year is a fraction the numerator of which is the implicit price deflator for the gross domestic product as computed and published by the Department of Commerce for the preceding calendar year and the denominator of which is such deflator for the calendar year 1998.
(d) Senators subject to maximum amount of aggregate square feet and maximum annual rental rate 

(1) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the aggregate square feet of office space secured for a Senator who is a Senator on July 1, 1974, shall not at any time exceed, as long as he continuously serves as a Senator, the greater of
(A) the applicable square footage limitation of such subsection; or
(B) the total square footage of those offices that the Senator has on such date and which are continuously maintained in the same buildings in which such offices were located on such date.
(2) The provisions of subsection (c) of this section do not apply to any office that a Senator has on July 1, 1974, not in a post office or other Federal building, as long as
(A) that Senator continuously serves as a Senator; and
(B) that office is maintained in the same building in which it was located on such date and contains not more than the same number of square feet it contained in such date.
(e) Omitted 
(f) Mobile office 

(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (5), a Senator may lease one mobile office for use only in the State he represents and the contingent fund of the Senate is available for the rental payments (including by way of reimbursement) made under such lease together with the actual nonpersonnel cost of operating such mobile office. The term of any such lease shall not exceed 3 years. A copy of each such lease shall be furnished to the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate.
(2) The maximum aggregate annual rental payments and operating costs (except furniture, equipment, and furnishings) that may be paid to a Senator under paragraph (1) shall not at any time exceed an amount determined by multiplying
(A)  the highest applicable rate per square foot charged Federal agencies by the Administrator of General Services in the State which that Senator represents, based upon a 100 percent building quality rating, by
(B)  the maximum aggregate square feet of office space to which that Senator is entitled under subsection (b) of this section reduced by the number of square feet contained in offices secured for that Senator under subsection (a) of this section and used by that Senator and his employees to perform their duties.
(3) No payment shall be made under paragraph (1) for rental payments and operating costs of a mobile office of a Senator unless the following provisions are included in its lease:
(A) Liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 shall be provided with respect to the operation and use of such mobile office.
(B) Either of the following inscriptions shall be clearly visible on three sides of such mobile office in letters not less than three inches high: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT VEHICLE FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY; Or MOBILE OFFICE OF SENATOR XXXXX FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY. The Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate may prescribe regulations to waive or modify the requirement under subparagraph (B) if such waiver or modification is necessary to provide for the public safety of a Senator and the Senators staff and constituents.
(4) No payment shall be made under paragraph (1) for rental payments and operating costs of a mobile office of a Senator which are attributable to or incurred during the 60-day period ending with the date of any primary or general election (whether regular, special, or runoff) in which that Senator is a candidate for public office, unless his candidacy in such election is uncontested.
(5) Payment under paragraph (1) shall be made on a monthly basis and shall be paid upon vouchers approved by the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate.
(g) Effective date 
This section is effective on and after July 1, 1974.

2 USC 591 - Additional home State office space for Senators; declaration of disaster or emergency

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate is authorized to provide additional facilities, services, equipment, and office space for use by a Senator in that Senators State in connection with a disaster or emergency declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.]. Expenses incurred by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate under this section shall be paid from the appropriation account, within the contingent fund of the Senate, for expenses of the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, upon vouchers signed by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate.
(b) This section is effective on and after June 12, 1997.

2 USC 59a - Repealed. Pub. L. 101163, title I, 103(b), Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1050

Section, Pub. L. 93–462, § 1, Oct. 20, 1974, 88 Stat. 1388, related to purchase of office equipment or furnishings by House Members.

2 USC 59b - Purchase of office equipment or furnishings by Senators

(a) Authorization; conditions 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a United States Senator may purchase, upon leaving office or otherwise ceasing to be a Senator (except by expulsion), any item or items of office equipment or office furnishings provided by the General Services Administration and then currently located and in use in an office of such Senator in the State then represented by such Senator.
(b) Request by Senator and arrangement for purchase by Sergeant at Arms of Senate; regulations governing purchase; price 
At the request of any United States Senator, the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate shall arrange for and make the purchase of equipment and furnishings under subsection (a) of this section on behalf of such Senator. Each such purchase shall be
(1) in accordance with regulations which shall be prescribed by the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, after consultation with the General Services Administration; and
(2) at a price equal to the acquisition cost to the Federal Government of the equipment or furnishings so purchased, less allowance for depreciation determined under such regulations, but in no instance less than the fair market value of such items.
(c) Remittance of amounts received to General Services Administration; disposition 
Amounts received by the Federal Government from the sale of items of office equipment or office furnishings under this section shall be remitted to the General Services Administration and credited to the appropriate account or accounts.

2 USC 59c - Transferred

2 USC 59d - Transportation of official records and papers to House Members district

(a) Payment of reasonable expenses from applicable accounts of House; rules and regulations 
Effective August 16, 1978, notwithstanding any provision of law and until otherwise provided by law, the applicable accounts of the House shall be available to pay the reasonable expenses of sending or transporting the official records and papers of any Member of the House of Representatives from the District of Columbia to any location designated by such Member in the district represented by the Member. The Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to provide for the most economical means of sending or transporting such documents to insure the orderly and timely delivery to the specified location. The Committee on House Oversight shall have the authority to issue rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
(b) “Member of the House of Representatives” and “official records and papers” defined 
As used in this section
(1) the term Member of the House of Representatives means a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress; and
(2) the term official records and papers means books, records, papers, and official files which could be sent as franked mail.

2 USC 59d1 - Transportation of official records and papers to a Senators State

(a) Payment of reasonable transportation expenses 
Upon request of a Senator, amounts in the appropriation account Miscellaneous Items within the contingent fund of the Senate shall be available to pay the reasonable expenses of sending or transporting the official records and papers of the Senator from the District of Columbia to any location designated by such Senator in the State represented by the Senator.
(b) Sending and transportation 
The Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate shall provide for the most economical means of sending or transporting the official records and papers under this section while ensuring the orderly and timely delivery of the records and papers to the location specified by the Senator.
(c) Oversight 
The Committee on Rules and Administration shall have the authority to issue rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
(d) Official records defined 
In this section, the term official records and papers means books, records, papers, and official files which could be sent as franked mail.
(e) Effective date 
This section shall apply with respect to fiscal year 2005 and each succeeding fiscal year.

2 USC 59e - Official mail of persons entitled to use congressional frank

(a) Congressional committee regulations for expenditure of appropriations for official mail 
Except as otherwise provided in this section, funds appropriated by this Act or any other Act for expenses of official mail of any person entitled to use the congressional frank may be expended only in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate or the Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives, as applicable. Such regulations shall require
(1) individual accountability for use of official mail by each person entitled to use the congressional frank;
(2) 
(A) with respect to the House of Representatives, allocation of funds for official mail to be made to each such person with respect to each session of Congress (with no transfer to any other session or to any other such person); and
(B) with respect to the Senate, allocation of funds for official mail to be made to each such person with respect to each session of Congress (with no transfer to any other session, other than transfers from the first session of a Congress to the second session of that Congress, or to any other such person); and
(3) with respect to the House of Representatives, that in addition to any other report or information made available to the public (through the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards or otherwise) regarding the use of the frank, the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives shall include in the quarterly report of receipts and expenditures submitted to the House of Representatives a statement (based solely on data provided for that purpose by the Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives and the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards) of costs incurred for official mail by each person entitled to use the congressional frank.
(b) Postmaster General functions 
The Postmaster General, in consultation with the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives
(1) shall monitor use of official mail by each person entitled to use the congressional frank;
(2) at least monthly, shall notify any person with an allocation under subsection (a)(2)(A) of this section as to the amount that has been used and any person with an allocation under subsection (a)(2)(B) of this section as to the percentage of the allocation that has been used; and
(3) may not carry or deliver official mail the cost of which is in excess of an allocation under subsection (a)(2) of this section.
(c) Source of funds for expenses of official mail 
Expenses of official mail of the Senate and the House of Representatives may be paid only from funds specifically appropriated for that purpose and funds so appropriated
(1) may be supplemented by other appropriated funds only if such supplementation is provided for by law or by regulation under subsection (a) of this section; and
(2) may not be supplemented by funds from any other source, public or private.
(d) Maintenance or use of unofficial office accounts or defrayal of official expenses from certain funds prohibited 
No Senator or Member of the House of Representatives may maintain or use, directly or indirectly, an unofficial office account or defray official expenses for franked mail, employee salaries, office space, furniture, or equipment and any associated information technology services (excluding handheld communications devices) from
(1) funds received from a political committee or derived from a contribution or expenditure (as such terms are defined in section 431 of this title);
(2) funds received as reimbursement for expenses incurred by the Senator or Member in connection with personal services provided by the Senator or Member to the person making the reimbursement; or
(3) any other funds that are not specifically appropriated for official expenses.
(e) Official Mail Allowance in House of Representatives 

(1) The use of funds of the House of Representatives which are made available for official mail of Members, officers, and employees of the House of Representatives who are persons entitled to use the congressional frank shall be governed by regulations promulgated
(A) by the Committee on House Oversight of the House of Representatives, with respect to allocation and expenditures relating to official mail (except as provided in subparagraph (B)); and
(B) by the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards, with respect to matters under section 3210 (a)(6)(D) of title 39.
(2) Funds used for official mail
(A) with respect to a Member of the House of Representatives, shall be available, in a session of Congress, in a total amount, as determined under paragraph (1)(A), of not more than the product of
(i)  3 times the single-piece rate applicable to first class mail, and
(ii)  the number (as determined by the Postmaster General) of addresses (other than business possible delivery stops) in the congressional district, as such addresses are described in section 3210 (d)(7)(B) of title 39; and
(B) with respect to any other person entitled to use the congressional frank in the House of Representatives (including any Member of the House of Representatives who receives an allocation under subsection (a)(2) of this section with respect to duties as an elected officer of, or holder of another position in, the House of Representatives), shall be available, in a session of Congress, in a total amount determined under paragraph (1)(A).
(f) Mass mailing; submission of samples or description of proposed mail matter; advisory opinion 
A Member of the House of Representatives shall, before making any mass mailing, submit a sample or description of the mail matter involved to the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards for an advisory opinion as to whether such proposed mailing is in compliance with applicable provisions of law, rule, or regulation.
(g) “Member of the House of Representatives” and “person entitled to use the congressional frank” defined 
As used in subsections (a) through (f) of this section
(1) the term Member of the House of Representatives means a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress; and
(2) the term person entitled to use the congressional frank means a Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, or other person authorized to use the frank under section 3210 (b) of title 39.
(h) Omitted 
(i) Effective date 
This section and the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to sessions of Congress beginning with the first session of the One Hundred Second Congress, except that, with respect to the Senate, subsection (d) of this section shall apply beginning on May 1, 1992, and the funds referred to in paragraph (3) of such subsection shall not include personal funds of a Senator or Member of the House of Representatives.

2 USC 59f - Mass mailings by Senate offices; quarterly statements; publication of summary tabulations

Two weeks after the close of each calendar quarter, or as soon as practicable thereafter, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate shall send to each Senate office a statement of the cost of postage and paper and of the other operating expenses incurred as a result of mass mailings processed for such Senate office during such quarter. The statement shall separately identify the cost of postage and paper and other costs, and shall distinguish the costs attributable to newsletters and all other mass mailings. The statement shall also include the total cost per capita in the State. A compilation of all such statements shall be sent to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. A summary tabulation of such information shall be published quarterly in the Congressional Record and included in the semiannual report of the Secretary of the Senate. Such summary tabulation shall set forth for each Senate office the following information: the Senate offices name, the total number of pieces of mass mail mailed during the quarter, the total cost of such mail, and, in the case of Senators, the cost of such mail divided by the total population of the State from which the Senator was elected, and the total number of pieces of mass mail divided by the total population of the State from which the Senator was elected, and in the case of each Senator, the allocation made to such Senator from the appropriation for official mail expenses.

2 USC 59g - Mass mailing of information by Senators under frank; quarterly registration with Secretary of Senate

In fiscal year 1991 and thereafter, when a Senator disseminates information under the frank by a mass mailing (as defined in section 3210 (a)(6)(E) of title 39), the Senator shall register quarterly with the Secretary of the Senate such mass mailings. Such registration shall be made by filing with the Secretary a copy of the matter mailed and providing, on a form supplied by the Secretary, a description of the group or groups of persons to whom the mass mailing was mailed and the number of pieces mailed.

2 USC 59h - Mass mailing sent by House Members

(a) Notice that mailing is at taxpayer expense 
Each mass mailing sent by a Member of the House of Representatives shall bear in a prominent place on its face, or on the envelope or outside cover or wrapper in which the mail matter is sent, the following notice: this mailing was prepared, published, and mailed at taxpayer expense., or a notice to the same effect in words which may be prescribed under subsection (c) of this section. The notice shall be printed in a type size not smaller than 7-point.
(b) Publication of each Member’s total expense and amount 

(1) There shall be published in the itemized report of disbursements of the House of Representatives as required by law, a summary tabulation setting forth, for the office of each Member of the House of Representatives, the total number of pieces of mass mail mailed during the period involved and the total cost of those mass mailings.
(2) Each such tabulation shall also include
(A) the total cost (as referred to in paragraph (1)) divided by the number (as determined by the Postmaster General) of addresses (other than business possible delivery stops) in the Congressional district from which the Member was elected (as such addresses are described in section 3210 (d)(7)(B) of title 39); and
(B) the total number of pieces of mass mail (as referred to in paragraph (1)) divided by the number (as determined by the Postmaster General) of addresses (other than business possible delivery stops) in the Congressional district from which the Member was elected (as such addresses are described in section 3210 (d)(7)(B) of title 39).
(c) Regulations 
The Committee on House Oversight shall prescribe such rules and regulations and shall take such other action as the Committee considers necessary and proper for Members to conform to the provisions of this subsection and applicable rules and regulations.
(d) Definitions 
For purposes of this section
(1) the term Member of the House of Representatives means a Representative in, or a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress; and
(2) the term mass mailing has the meaning given such term by section 3210 (a)(6)(E) of title 39.
(e) Applicability 
This section shall apply with respect to sessions of Congress beginning after September 16, 1996.