Information of Importance to Candidates for Office of United States Representative in the 84th Congress

The Committee on House Administration, mindful of the responsibility vested in it by House Rule XI with respect to matters relating to elections, credentials, and qualifications of Members of the House, feels that it should make some attempt to inform Members of the House, as well as other candidates for this office, as to the Federal laws governing election of Members of the House of Representatives.

Brief explanatory summaries and portions of the texts of the provisions of the United States Constitution, the Corrupt Practices Act, the Hatch Act, the Pendleton Act, and the Powers Act, and other pertinent provisions of the United States Code relating to elections are included in this compilation. The texts of these provisions are presented as they appear in the Constitution and United States Code, 1952 edition, and supplement I, to January 5, 1954.

A summary of the soldier-voting law and pertinent sections of the postal laws and regulations and the laws regulating elections in Territories and insular possessions are also included.

Each candidate is cautioned to familiarize himself with the pertinent State law of his particular State. It is impossible in a publication of this nature to present the laws of the various States, but since each State does have laws governing offenses at elections, violations of these laws could result in criminal prosecution or denial of a seat in the House.

While all of the information contained in this print is of importance to persons in any way connected with the campaign and election of Members of the House of Representatives, there are particular provisions of the Federal law which should be specifically noted by all concerned. These are:

Reports to be filed.-Candidates, political committees, and in some cases individuals making political contributions, are required to file a statement with the Clerk of the House of Representatives as to contributions and expenditures. A form for this purpose will be furnished each candidate by the Clerk of the House. Reports required under the Federal law are distinct and are not to be confused with reports which may be required under State law or reports which may otherwise be required by a congressional committee.

An informative digest of the reports required by Federal law can be found on page 11 of this print. The State law should be consulted as to reports required by individual States.

Limitations on contributions and expenditures.-The limitations imposed by Federal legislation upon the amount that may be contributed or expended is discussed under the heading "Federal Regulation of the Use of Money at Elections," beginning on page 8 of this print. Gandidates are cautioned to consult the laws of their respective States concerning State-imposed limitations.

Publication of unsigned advertisements and circulars.-The Powers Act prohibits the publication or distribution of political literature which does not contain the name of the person or persons responsible

for its publication. It should be noted that this prohibition is not limited to general elections. The text of this act can be found on page 13 of this print.

Political activity by Federal employees.-The Hatch Act restricts the political activity of Federal employees with certain exceptions. Pertinent sections of the text of this act can be found beginning on page 22 of this print and an informative digest begins on page 4. Additional information can be secured from the Civil Service Commission, Washington 25, D. C.

Political contributions by persons receiving salary or compensation from or in the service of the United States.-Title 18 of the United States Code, commonly referred to as the Pendleton Act, prohibits any Member of, or candidate for, Congress from soliciting or receiving contributions from any person receiving any salary or compensation from the Treasury of the United States. It also prohibits any person in the service of the United States from giving

any money or other valuable thing on account of or to be applied to the promotion of any political object—

to any other person in the service of the United States, including Members of Congress. This statute is very important to all candidates for Representative and is of particular importance to Members of Congress. It should be pointed out that, contrary to the Hatch Act, legislative employees are included in this prohibition. The text of this statute can be found on page 4 of this print.

Contributions by firms or individuals contracting with the Federal Government.—It is illegal for any person or firm entering into a contract with the United States or any department or agency thereof to make or promise any political contribution of money or anything of value during the negotiation for, or performance under such contract. of this provision can be found on page 13.

AUTHORITY, MEMBERSHIP, AND JURISDICTION, SPECIAL CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURES COMMITTEE

On February 9, 1954, following custom, Mr. Bishop, introduced House Resolution 439, the text of which is set forth on pages 17-18, infra. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Rules and reported to the House on July 14, 1954 (H. Rept. 2215, 83d Cong., 2d sess.). The resolution was considered and agreed to on July 21,

1954.

On July 14, 1954, House Resolution 631, providing funds for the expenses of conducting the investigation authorized by House Resolution 439, was introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on House Administration. The resolution as reported, authorizing the Special Committee To Investigate Campaign Expenditures, 1954, to incur expenses not exceeding $25,000, was agreed to August 5, 1954 (H. Rept. 2625, 83d Cong., 2d sess.).

The Speaker of the House on August 9, 1954, appointed the following members to this special committee:

C. W. (Runt) Bishop, Illinois (25th District).

Kenneth B. Keating, New York (12th District).
Howard H. Baker, Tennessee (2d District).

Hale Boggs, Louisiana (2d District).

Frank M. Karsten, Missouri (13th District).

The resolution creating the special committee directs it to investigate and report to the House not later than January 3, 1955, with respect to the following:

1. The nature and extent of expenditures made by all candidates for the House of Representatives in connection with their campaign for nomination and election to such office;

2. The amounts subscribed, contributed, or expended by individuals or groups of individuals on behalf of each candidate in connection with such campaigns;

3. The use of any other means or influence for the purpose of aiding or influencing the nomination or election of such candidates;

4. Any violations of United States statutes pertaining to elections;

5. Any violations of other United States or State statutes which would affect the qualification of a candidate for membership in the House of Representatives within the meaning of article I, section 5, of the Constitution of the United States;

6. Such other matters in connection with the campaign which the committee deems to be in the public interest, and which in its opinion would aid the House of Representatives in enacting remedial legislation or in deciding any contests involving the right to a seat in the House of Representatives.

The Campaign Expenditures Committee is authorized during the period of adjournment to institute investigations on complaints or upon its own initiative, to hold hearings, subpena witnesses, and refer any violations found of United States or State statutes to the United States Attorney General for such official action as he deems proper. KARL M. LECOMPTE,

Chairman, Committee on House Administration.

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Information of Importance to Candidates for Office of United States ...