Via Mark Tapscott of The Washington Examiner:
Looks like the PC police have threatened members of the House of Representatives against wishing constituents a “Merry Christmas,” if they want to do so in a mailing paid for with tax dollars.
Members who submit official mailings for review by the congressional franking commission that reviews all congressional mail to determine if it can be “franked,” or paid for with tax dollars, are being told that no holiday greetings, including “Merry Christmas,” can be sent in official mail.
“I called the commission to ask for clarification and was told no ‘Merry Christmas.’ Also told cannot say ‘Happy New Year’ but can say ‘have a happy new year’ – referencing the time period of a new year, but not the holiday,” said a Hill staffer who requested anonymity.
Another Hill staffer told The Washington Examiner that “we were given that advice after submitting” a draft mailing.
Who are these “PC Police” who make up the Franking Commission? You may be surprised to know it’s made up of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats.
Franking Commission Members
Republicans: Aaron Schock (R-IL-18), Tom Price (R-GA-06), Bob Latta (R-OH-05)
Democrats: Susan Davis (D-CA-53), Brad Sherman (D-CA-27), Cedric Richmond (D-LA-02)
For some reason, Senators are not bound by the same limitations as House members:
“Senators may not use the frank to mail holiday cards. However, Senators may use officially related funds to mail holiday cards to constituents. Holiday cards to friends should be sent with personal funds, not using Senate facilities.
“Senators also may NOT use the frank to ac- knowledge holiday greetings that were sent to them. Senators may express holiday greetings at the commencement or conclusion of otherwise frankable mail.”
Nuts.
Hat tip: Weasel Zippers
Linked by Michelle Malkin, thanks!
