Committee Of Standards of Official Conduct

1
Committee Of Standards of Official Conduct
Ethics Training Quiz on General Topics
Please wait a moment
2
Call or Write Before Acting
Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Suite
HT-2, The Capitol Washington, DC
20515 Telephone [phone] Fax (202)
225-7392 Website http//www.ethics.house.gov
All communications are confidential. Good faith
reliance on written Committee opinions protects
you from sanctions under House rules.
3
Welcome!
4
(No Transcript)
5
Getting Started
In the bottom toolbar you will find the
navigation buttons.
Click this button anytime you would like to visit
the Standards Committees website.
Click this button to view an Adobe (PDF) version
of the 2008 House Ethics Manual.
Click this button to go forward to the next
question.
Click this button to exit the training activity.
Warning!
You must click on one of the designated icons
(shown above) or valid links to move through the
ethics training session. Failure to do so will
restart the ethics training activity!
If you are ready to begin, click the Start
button to continue!
6
The House Gift Rule
7
Question 1
Question Which of these is an example of a
gift?
Choose the correct answer
a. Discounts
b. Favors
c. Hospitality
d. Gratuity
e. All of the above
8
Click here to try again!
9
That is Correct!
The answer is (e.) all of the above.
Question Which of these is an example of a gift?
Explanation The answer is all of the above.
The rule defines the term gift in an extremely
broad manner . . . a gratuity, favor,
discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan,
forbearance, or other item having monetary value.
For further guidance, see 2008 House Ethics
Manual at 31-32.
Favors Discounts Gratuity Hospitality All of
the above
10
Question 2
Question Which gift is not permitted under
the Less Than 50 Rule?
Choose the correct answer
a. Cash
b. Dinner
c. Lodging
d. Transportation
e. These are all permitted as long as they are
less than 50.
11
That is Correct!
The answer is (b.) cash.
Question Which gift is not permitted under the
Less Than 50 Rule?
Explanation The answer is cash. A Member,
officer, or employee may accept a gift, other
than cash or cash equivalent, having a value of
less than 50, provided that the source of the
gift is not a registered lobbyist, foreign agent,
or private entity that retains or employs such
individuals. For further guidance, see 2008
House Ethics Manual at 33-34.

• Dinner
• Cash
• Lodging
• Transportation

12
Click here to try again!
13
Question 3
Question While out to dinner with a
constituent, he offers to pay for your dinner,
which costs 60.00. You decide to pay 11.00 out
of your own pocket, leaving the constituent to
pay 49.00. Does this make it permissible for
the constituent to pay for your meal under the
Less than 50 Rule?
Choose the correct answer

• Yes, it is permissible.

No, it is not permissible.
14
That is Correct!
The answer is no, it is not permissible.
Question While out to dinner with a
constituent, he offers to pay for your dinner,
which costs 60.00. You decide to pay 11.00 out
of your own pocket, leaving the constituent to
pay 49.00. Does this make it permissible for
the constituent to pay for your meal under the
Less than 50 Rule?

• Explanation
• No, it is not permissible. A Member or staff
  person may not buy down the value of a gift in
  order to bring it within the dollar limitations
  of the provision. For further guidance, see 2008
  House Ethics Manual at 35-36.

15
Click here to try again!
16
Question 4
Question A professional football team in the
Members district sends your office 10 of its
t-shirts along with a letter stating that a
t-shirt should be given to the Member and to each
staff person who wants one. Can you accept the
t-shirt?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
Ethics Rules!
No
17
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.
Explanation Yes. Members, officers, and
employees may accept an item of nominal value
such as a greeting card, baseball cap, t-shirt,
or item less than 10. For further guidance see
2008 House Ethics Manual at 53.

• Question
• A professional football team in the Members
  district sends your office 10 of its t-shirts
  along with a letter stating that a t-shirt should
  be given to the Member and to each staff person
  who wants one. Can you accept the t-shirt?

Yes No
18
Click here to try again!
19
Question 5
Question As a gift, your friend buys you a
necklace that costs 400. Are you able to accept
the necklace without Committee approval?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
20
That is Correct!
The answer is No.

• Explanation
• No. A Member, officer, or employee may accept
  any gift that is given by an individual on the
  basis of personal friendship, unless the official
  has reason to believe that, under the
  circumstances, the gift was provided because of
  his or her official position with the House, and
  not because of the personal friendship (House
  Rule 25, clause 5(a)(3)(D)). However, a gift
  exceeding 250 in value including, for example,
  a trip may not be accepted on the basis of
  personal friendship unless the Standards
  Committee issues a written determination that the
  personal friendship provision applies (House Rule
  25, clause 5(a)(5)). For further guidance, see
  2008 House Ethics Manual at 39-41.

Question As a gift, your friend buys you a
necklace that costs 400. Are you able to accept
the necklace without Committee approval?
Yes No
21
Click here to try again!
22
Question 6
Question A public university in the district
has offered the Member a pair of tickets, valued
at 50 each, to one of its upcoming football
games. Can the Member accept?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
23
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.
Question A public university in the district
has offered the Member a pair of tickets, valued
at 50 each, to one of its upcoming football
games. Can the Member accept?
Explanation Yes. Under the House Gift rule,
Members and staff may accept anything paid for by
a federal, state, or local government entity
this includes public universities. For further
guidance, see 2008 House Ethics Manual at 55.
Yes No
24
Click here to try again!
25
Question 7
Question An embassy in Washington has invited
you to attend a lunch at the embassy to meet the
new ambassador.  May you attend this luncheon?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
26
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.
Question An embassy in Washington has invited
you to attend a lunch at the embassy to meet the
new ambassador.  May you attend this luncheon?
Explanation Yes. Under the Foreign Gifts and
Decorations Act (FGDA) Members, officers, and
employees may accept a gift of minimal value
tendered and received as a souvenir or mark of
courtesy.  The term minimal value as used in
the Act is currently defined as 335.  For
further guidance, see 2008 House Ethics Manual at
57-59.
Yes No
27
Click here to try again!
28
Question 8
Question After a Member speaks at an event, the
sponsoring organization presents him with an
expensive pen that is inscribed with his name
only. Is it permissible for the Member to accept
the pen?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
29
That is Correct!
The answer is No.
Question After a Member speaks at an event, the
sponsoring organization presents him with an
expensive pen that is inscribed with his name
only. Is it permissible for the Member to accept
the pen?

• Explanation
• No. The inscription is limited to the Members
  name, the pen is not commemorative in nature and
  thus may not be accepted. A plaque, trophy, or
  other item that is substantially commemorative in
  nature and that is intended for presentation may
  be accepted. (House Ruled 25, clause
  5(a)(3)(S)). There are several points to note
  regarding this provision
• There will be an in-person presentation of the
  item to the Member or
• staff person.
• An item must be substantially commemorative in
  nature.
• May not have significant utilitarian or
  artistic value.
• A commemorative item that exceeds 335 in value
  will have to be disclosed on Schedule VI of ones
  annual Financial Disclosure Statement. For
  further guidance, please see 2008 House Ethics
  Manual at 53-54.

Yes No
30
Click here to try again!
31
Question 9
Question A lobbying organization sends all the
House offices a book regarding the history of the
U.S. Congress.  May the offices accept this book
from a lobbying organization?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
32
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.
Question A lobbying organization sends all the
House offices a book regarding the history of the
U.S. Congress.  May the offices accept this book
from a lobbying organization?

• Explanation
• Yes. Members, officers, and employees may
  accept informational materials that are sent to
  the House office in the form of books, articles,
  periodicals, other written materials, audiotapes,
  videotapes, or other forms of communication.
  However, Members and staff may accept a
  subscription to a periodical only from a
  publisher or distributor. For further guidance,
  see 2008 House Ethics Manual at 54-55.

33
Click here to try again!
34
Question 10
Question A staffer takes a group of constituents
on a tour and they offer the staffer a 15 gift
card as a thank you gift. Is it permissible
for the staffer to accept the gift card?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
35
That is Correct!
The answer is No.
Question A staffer takes a group of constituents
on a tour and they offer the staffer a 15 gift
card as a thank you gift. Is it permissible to
accept the gift card?

• Explanation
• No. When assisting constituents, Members and
  staff should be aware that the federal criminal
  code prohibits the receipt of anything of value
  in return for or because of official actions.
  Gifts offered as a thank you for casework
  assistance should generally be declined. For
  further guidance, see 2008 House Ethics Manual at
  314-315.

36
Click here to try again!
37
Question 11
Question You have helped a constituent with her
passport issue and she sends a small bouquet of
flowers to the office. May you accept the
flowers?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
38
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.

• Explanation
• Yes. The Committee does permit Members and
  employees to accept nominal perishable items
  (e.g., flowers or candy) that the Member or
  employee shares with the staff and visiting
  constituents. For further guidance, see 2008
  House Ethics Manual at 79-83.

• Question
• You have helped a constituent with her passport
  issue she sends a small bouquet of flowers to
  the office. May you accept the flowers?

Yes No
39
Click here to try again!
40
Question 12
Question You have received a gift that is not
acceptable under the gift rule. Which of the
actions below could you take to remedy the
situation?
Choose the correct answer
a. Pay the donor the market value of the gift
b. Return the gift to the donor
c. Refuse the gift
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
41
That is Correct!
The answer is All of the above.

• Explanation
• The answer is all of the above. When a
  Member, officer, or employee receives a gift that
  is not acceptable under the gift rule, and for
  which a gift rule waiver is not available, they
  may (1) refuse it, (2) pay the donor the market
  value of the gift, or (3) return the gift to the
  donor. Generally, for the purpose of the gift
  rule, items are valued at their retail, rather
  than wholesale prices. A gift may be valued at
  the lowest price at which the item is available
  to the general public.  
  If a gift is returned by mail,
  consult with the Commission on Congressional
  Mailing Standards (the Franking Commission) to
  determine if the item is frankable. If the item
  is not frankable, contact House Administration to
  see if the Members Representational Allowance
  may be used to return the gift by mail.  However,
  when the unacceptable gift is a perishable item,
  such as flowers or a fruit basket, the rule also
  provides the options of donating the item to
  charity or destroying it. For further guidance,
  see 2008 House Ethics Manual at 73-75.

Question You have received a gift that is not
acceptable under the gift rule. Which of the
actions below could you take to remedy the
situation?
42
Click here to try again!
43
Things for Which a Gift Waiver is Granted
44
Financial Disclosure of Gifts
45
Question 13
Question A trade association invites House staff
to attend a reception in its offices where they
will be serving hors doeuvres and drinks. May
you attend the reception and accept these items?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
46
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.
Question A trade association invites House staff
to attend a reception in its offices where they
will be serving hors doeuvres and drinks. May
you attend the reception and accept these items?

• Explanation
• Yes, you are able to accept these items provided
  that the food and refreshments are of nominal
  value and offered other than as part of a
  meal. For further guidance, see 2008 House
  Ethics Manual at 50-52.

47
Click here to try again!
48
Question 14
Question A technology conference is being held
in DC.  Hundreds of people from private and
public sectors, including House members and staff
will be invited to attend the conference and the
awards dinner.  You  have just received a
invitation from the sponsor to attend the
conference for free.  May you attend this event?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
49
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.

• Explanation
• Yes. You may accept the sponsors invitation
  under the widely attended event exception, if
  you deem your attendance is connected to your
  official duties.
• In order for an event to qualify under the
  widely attended event exception, the event
  must
• (1) have at least 25 non-Hill attendees,
• (2) be open to public or to a wide range of
  individuals, and
• (3) be connected to ones official House duties.
• - May also accept free attendance for one
  accompanying individual
• - May accept a meal that is offered to all
  attendees as part of the event
• - May accept local transportation to event, if
  offered by event sponsor
• - May not accept a gift bag or souvenir unless
  otherwise permitted by
• gift rule
• - Sponsoring entity may employ lobbyists
• For further guidance, see 2008 House Ethics
  Manual at 41-47.

Question A technology conference is being held
in DC.  Hundreds of people from private and
public sectors, including House members and staff
will be invited to attend the conference and the
awards dinner.  You  have just received a
invitation from the sponsor to attend the
conference for free.  May you attend this event?
50
Click here to try again!
51
Question 15
Question A company donates 10,000 and buys
tickets to a charity event sponsored by the
Cooking with Kids, a 501(c)(3). The company
then offers you a free ticket to the event. The
ticket is worth 250. Is it permissible for you
to accept free attendance from the company?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
52
That is Correct!
The answer is No.
Question A company donates 10,000 and buys
tickets to a charity event sponsored by the
Cooking with Kids, a 501(c)(3). The company
then offers you a free ticket to the event. The
ticket is worth 250. Is it permissible for you
to accept free attendance from the company?
Explanation No, you cannot accept free
attendance from the company. The gift rule is
clear that Members, officers, and employees may
accept an invitation to a widely attended or
charity event only from the sponsor of the event.
The term sponsor of the event refers to the
person, entity, or entities that are primarily
responsible for organizing the event. An
individual or organization who simply contributes
money to an event is not considered to be a
sponsor of the event. For further guidance, see
2008 House Ethics Manual at 44-48.
53
Click here to try again!
54
Question 16
Question A national political organization
offers you free attendance to its annual
fundraising concert. May you accept this offer
of free attendance from the sponsor?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
55
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.

• Explanation
• Yes. Members, officers, and employees may accept
  food, refreshments, and other benefits provided
  by a political organization in connection with a
  fundraising or campaign event sponsored by that
  organization (House Rule 25, clause
  5(a)(3)(G)(iii). Under this provision, Members,
  officers, and employees may also accept
  transportation and lodging from the sponsoring
  political organization in connection with such an
  event, provided that the travel rules are
  observed. In addition, they may participate in a
  golf tournament or attend a show or sporting
  event sponsored by the political organization,
  provided that the event is a bona fide
  fundraiser. The term political organization is
  defined in this provision by reference to 527
  (e) of the Internal Revenue Code. For further
  guidance, see 2008 House Ethics Manual at 47-48.

• Question
• A national political organization offers you free
  attendance to its annual fundraising concert.
  May you accept the offer of free attendance from
  the sponsor?

Yes No
56
Click here to try again!
57
Question 17
Question You have been invited to participate
on a fact-finding trip. Since it is paid for by
a private source, the trip does not have to be
reviewed by the Committee on Standards.
Choose the correct answer
True
False
58
That is Correct!
The answer is False.

• Explanation
• False. House Members and staff MUST obtain
  written Committee approval of privately sponsored
  travel PRIOR to traveling. To obtain approval,
  the traveler must submit a complete Traveler Form
  and a Private Sponsor Travel Certification Form
  filled out by the private sponsor to the
  Committee no less than 14 days prior to any
  travel. For further guidance, see 2008 House
  Ethics Manual at 88-105.

• True or False
• You have been invited to participate on a
  fact-finding trip. Since it is paid for by a
  private source, the trip does not have to be
  reviewed by the Committee on Standards.

True False
59
Click here to try again!
60
Question 18
Question A private sponsor offers you first
class travel. May you accept?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
61
That is Correct!
The answer is No.
Explanation No. Members and staff may accept
coach and business-class air or train fare from a
private source. However, first-class air or
train fare, travel aboard chartered flights and
trains, and private aircraft flights are
permitted only in limited conditions, such as
when the cost of such fare does not exceed
business-class transportation (including when the
travelers frequent flyer or similar benefits are
used to upgrade to first class), first-class
travel is necessary due to a disability of the
traveler, there are genuine security concerns
such that first-class fare is required, or the
flight is in excess of 14 hours. The Committee
may also approve first-class air or train fare,
chartered travel, or private aircraft when
exceptional circumstances are demonstrated in
writing by the private source. For further
guidance, see 2008 House Ethics Manual at 99-100.
Question A private sponsor offers you first
class travel. May you accept?
Yes No
62
Click here to try again!
63
Question 19
Question A state agency is sponsoring an
educational conference and it has offered to pay
your travel and conference expenses.  Do you have
to file any forms with the Ethics Committee
before accepting the travel expenses for this
trip?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
64
That is Correct!
The answer is No.

• Explanation
• No, because the travel and conference are being
  paid for with state funds. The travel is not
  subject to the pre-travel Committee approval or
  the post-travel disclosure requirements that are
  required for officially-connected travel that is
  paid for by a private source.  Additionally,
  government-paid-for travel does not need to be
  disclosed on ones annual Financial Disclosure
  Statement. For further guidance, see 2008 House
  Ethics Manual at 108.

• Question
• A state agency is sponsoring an educational
  conference and it has offered to pay your travel
  and conference expenses.  Do you have to file any
  forms with the Ethics Committee before accepting
  the travel expenses for this trip?

Yes No
65
Click here to try again!
66
Question 20
Question A private organization invites you
to participate in a four-day conference in Italy.
After the conference ends, you wish to stay five
additional days to vacation.  Can you accept the
organizations offer to pay your round-trip
airfare to and from Italy?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
67
That is Correct!
The answer is No.

• Question
• A private organization invites you to participate
  in a four-day conference in Italy. After the
  conference ends, you wish to stay five additional
  days to vacation.  Can you accept the
  organizations offer to pay your round-trip
  airfare to and from Italy?

• Explanation
• No. If the personal days are more than the
  officially connected days, then the traveler must
  pay for the return flight. Travelers may extend
  trips at their own expense and on their own time
  and still accept return transportation, provided
  that the officially connected purpose of the trip
  remains the primary purpose of the trip. 
  Generally, the primary purpose of a trip is the
  one to which the greater number of days is
  devoted.    If the extension of the trip results
  in higher airfare for the flights between the
  U.S. and Italy than would have been charged had
  the trip not been extended, the Member or staff
  person must personally pay the difference.
• For further guidance, see 2008 House Ethics
  Manual at 94-95.

68
Click here to try again!
69
Question 21
Question A Member is invited to give a speech
on environmental issues. The private sponsor has
offered to pay expenses for the Member and one
family member.  The Member does not want a
relative to accompany her  instead, she would
like the House  employee who works on
environmental issues to attend.  May the House
employee ask the private sponsor to pay for their
participation in this trip?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
70
That is Correct!
The answer is No.

• Explanation
• No. It is only permissible for a staff person to
  participate in this trip if the private sponsor
  provides the employee an unsolicited invitation
  to the House employee, the Member determines that
  the staff persons participation is in connection
  with the individuals official duties, and both
  the Member and House employee receive Committee
  approval prior to the trip. For  further
  guidance, see 2008 House Ethics Manual at 101-103

• Question
• A Member is invited to give a speech on
  environmental issues. The private sponsor has
  offered to pay expenses for the Member and one
  family member.  The Member does not want a
  relative to accompany her  instead, she would
  like the House  employee who works on
  environmental issues to attend.  May the House
  employee ask the private sponsor to pay for their
  participation in this trip?

71
Click here to try again!
72
Question 22
Question You have been invited to travel
overseas by a foreign government under the Mutual
Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (MECEA). 
Do you have to obtain approval by the Committee
on Standards in order to participate? 
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
73
That is Correct!
The answer to Part I is No and the answer to Part
II is Yes.

• Explanation
• No, you do not need to obtain approval from the
  Committee on Standards in order to participate.
  House Members and staff may accept travel paid
  for by a foreign government under MECEA without
  Committee review. While a post-travel form need
  not be filed, Members and senior staff must
  disclose MECEA travel on their annual Financial
  Disclosure Statement.  For further guidance, see
  2008 House Ethics Manual at 110-111.

Question (Part I) You have been invited to
travel overseas by a foreign government under the
Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act
(MECEA).  Do you have to obtain approval by the
Committee on Standards in order to participate? 
Question (Part II) Does MECEA travel have to
be disclosed on the personal annual Financial
Disclosure Statement?
74
Click here to try again!
75
Question 23
Question A company in the district has
offered a Member a flight on its corporate jet. 
May the Member accept the free flight?  
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
76
That is Correct!
The answer is No.

• Explanation
• No. House Rule 23, cl. 15 prohibits use of
  official, campaign, or personal funds to pay for
  flights on privately-owned aircraft
• Exceptions for flights
• Chartered from commercial charter service
• On a plane owned by a Member or certain
  relatives or
• On a plane owned by personal friend, for
  non-business purpose.
•  
• For further guidance, please see 2008 House
  Ethics Manual at 118-119.

Question A company in the district has offered
a Member a flight on its corporate jet.  May the
Member accept the free flight?
77
Click here to try again!
78
Question 24
Question As a gift, your friend decides to
take you on a vacation. He offers to pay your
travel expenses, which will cost a total of 700.
Are you able to accept the gift without
Committee approval?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
79
That is Correct!
The answer is No.

• Explanation
• No. A gift exceeding 250 in value and any
  significant travel will almost certainly exceed
  that amount may not be accepted on the basis of
  personal friendship unless the Standards
  Committee issues a written determination that the
  personal friendship provision applies. Thus, if
  the travel will exceed 250 in value, an advance
  written request for approval must be submitted to
  the Committee. The Committee keeps any such
  request, as well as its response, confidential.
  Travel accepted on the basis of personal
  friendship that exceeds 335 in value must be
  reported on Schedule VI of the annual Financial
  Disclosure Statement of a Member, officer, or
  filing employee, unless the Committee waives the
  reporting requirement. For further guidance, see
  2008 House Ethics Manual at 107.

• Question
• As a gift, your friend decides to take you on a
  vacation. He offers to pay your travel expenses,
  which will cost a total of 700. Are you able to
  accept the gift without Committee approval?

80
Click here to try again!
81
Question 25
Question While working in a congressional
office, you are asked to assist in drafting a
campaign speech. Is this permissible under House
Rules?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
82
That is Correct!
The answer is No.

• Explanation
• No. Among the specific activities that clearly
  may not be undertaken in a congressional office
  or using House resources (including official
  staff time) is the solicitation of contributions
  the drafting of campaign speeches, statements,
  press releases or literature the completion of
  FEC reports the creation or issuance of a
  campaign mailing and the holding of a meeting on
  campaign business. For further guidance, see
  2008 House Ethics Manual at 123-125.

• Question
• While working in a congressional office, you are
  asked to assist in drafting a campaign speech.
  Is this permissible under House Rules?

83
Click here to try again!
84
Question 26
Question True/False House buildings are
considered official resources.
Choose the correct answer
True
False
85
That is Correct!
The answer is True.

• Explanation
• True. The House buildings, and House rooms and
  offices, including district offices, are
  supported with official funds and hence
  considered official resources. As a general
  rule, they may not be used for the conduct of
  campaign or political activities. For further
  guidance, see 2008 House Ethics Manual at 127.

Question True/False House buildings are
considered official resources.
86
Click here to try again!
87
Question 27
Question The scheduler in the Members
congressional office would like to coordinate
with the campaign office to schedule an official
appearance for the Member. Is this permissible?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
88
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.

• Explanation
• Yes. The individual in the congressional office
  who handles the Members schedule may coordinate
  with those in the campaign office who schedule
  the Members campaign appearances. The Standards
  Committee has recognized that there are certain
  limited activities that, while related to a
  Members campaign, may properly take place in a
  congressional office. For further guidance, see
  2008 House Ethics Manual at 132-133.

• Question
• The scheduler in the Members congressional
  office would like to coordinate with the campaign
  office to schedule an official appearance for the
  Member. Is this permissible?

89
Click here to try again!
90
Question 28
Question A full-time staffer would like to
reduce her hours in the congressional office and
go on the campaign payroll for part-time work.
Can she be on the congressional and campaign
payrolls at the same time?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
91
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.

• Explanation
• Yes, with the approval of their employing Member,
  House staff generally may engage in campaign
  activity outside the House office, on their own
  time, and not using House resources.  This
  campaign work may be paid or un-paid. Campaign
  activity by House staff is, however, subject to a
  number of restrictions which should be carefully
  reviewed by any House employee wishing to engage
  in campaign activity.  For further guidance, see
  2008 House Ethics Manual at 135-151.

Question A full-time staffer would like to
reduce her hours in the congressional office and
go on the campaign payroll for part-time work.
Can she be on the congressional and campaign
payrolls at the same time?
92
Click here to try again!
93
Question 29
Question In the past year the Member has been
very active on energy issues. The campaign
wishes to issue a brochure on energy issues, and
a campaign worker asks the congressional office
for a copy of all the statements and press
releases the Member issued on energy. Can the
congressional office provide these materials to
the campaign office?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
94
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.

• Explanation
• Yes, the congressional office may provide one
  copy of the requested materials to the campaign
  office. This does not include, for example,
  back-up materials on issues. Those materials are
  to be used for official purposes only. For
  further guidance, see 2008 House Ethics Manual at
  133-135.

Question In the past year the Member has been
very active on energy issues. The campaign
wishes to issue a brochure on energy issues, and
a campaign worker asks the congressional office
for a copy of all the statements and press
releases the Member issued on energy. Can the
congressional office provide these materials to
the campaign office?
95
Click here to try again!
96
Question 30
Question Can a Members campaign website include
a link to the Members congressional website?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
97
That is Correct!
The answer is No.
Question Can a Members campaign website include
a link to the Members congressional website?

• Explanation
• No. A Members campaign website may not
• link to Members official House website nor
• duplicate any content of official website
• Limited exception May archive text of
• Members official press releases, subject to
• certain rules
•  
• For further guidance see 2008 House Ethics Manual
  at 131 and 133-135.

98
Click here to try again!
99
Outside Activities and Employment
100
Question 31
Question You are a junior staffer and you would
like to earn extra money.  May you get a
part-time job at a department store?  
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
101
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.

• Explanation
• Yes.  Generally, employees are free to
  volunteer or work for outside organizations as
  long as it is done on their own time and
  congressional resources are not used.  You must
  get your employing Member or supervisors
  permission before you participate in any outside
  activity.  The Committee feels the employing
  Member and supervisor are in the best positions
  to determine whether or not a proposed activity
  conflicts with the employees official duties.
  Therefore, it would be permissible for you to
  participate in this activity, if you have your
  Members or supervisors permission and you
  follow the restrictions stated above.  For
  further guidance, see 2008 House Ethics Manual at
  187-188.

Question You are a junior staffer and you would
like to earn extra money.  May you get a
part-time job at a department store?
102
Click here to try again!
103
Outside Activities and Employment
104
Question 32
Question A staff member writes an article on
rare birds for a nature magazine.  He writes the
article in his spare time, using his home
computer.  The subject of the article has nothing
to do with his official duties or status, and the
magazine has no interests that could be
substantially affected by the performance of his
official duties. Is this permissible under House
rules?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
105
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.

• Explanation
• Yes, if the employees House pay is below the
  senior staff rate (117, 787 for 60 days or
  more), the honorarium rules do not prohibit him
  from accepting an otherwise permissible payment
  for the article from the magazine.  However, if
  his House pay is at or above the senior staff
  rate, he may not accept any payment for the
  article. For further guidance, see the 2008 House
  Ethics Manual at 189-196.

Question A staff member writes an article on
rare birds for a nature magazine.  He writes the
article in his spare time, using his home
computer.  The subject of the article has nothing
to do with his official duties or status, and the
magazine has no interests that could be
substantially affected by the performance of his
official duties. Is this permissible under House
rules?
106
Click here to try again!
107
Question 33
Question A magazine requests that a staff member
who is paid at the senior staff rate (117, 787
for 60 days or more)  write a series of articles
on stamp collecting.  May the senior staff member
accept compensations for these articles?  
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
108
That is Correct!
The answer is No.

• Explanation
• No, even though stamp collecting is unrelated
  to the staff members official duties and status,
  and the magazine has no interests that could be
  affected by her performance of her official
  duties, the staff member may not, under the
  current honoraria rules, accept the payment for
  the series, because as senior staff she is
  subject to the absolute ban. For further guidance
  please see the 2008 House Ethics Manual at pp.
  189-196.

Question A magazine requests that a staff
member who is paid at the senior staff rate
(117, 787 for 60 days or more)  write a series
of articles on stamp collecting.  May the senior
staff member accept compensations for these
articles?
109
Click here to try again!
110
Question 34
Question Member A gives a speech to a trade
association in New Orleans and the trade
association offers to send a check to a charity
of the Members choice. After talking with the
Member, the association sends a check for 2,000
to the Boy Scouts of America with a note saying 
In lieu of an honorarium, Member A has asked us
to make this donation to the Boy Scouts in honor
of his speech to our association.  Is this
permissible?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
111
That is Correct!
The answer is Yes.

• Explanation
• Yes, the donation on behalf of the Member is
  permissible under the rules.  The sponsor of a
  speech, appearance, or article may make a payment
  in lieu of an honorarium to a charitable
  organization on behalf of a Member, officer, or
  employee (House Rule 25, cl. 1(c)).  The sponsor
  may make a donation of up to 2, 000 per speech,
  appearance, or article, as long as the sponsor
  makes the check payable to the charity, the
  Member or staff person may not accept the check
  and personally forward it to the charitable
  organization. For further guidance, see 2008
  House Ethics Manual at 189-196.

Question Member A gives a speech to a trade
association in New Orleans and the trade
association offers to send a check to a charity
of the Member As choice. After talking with the
Member, the association sends a check for 2,000
to the Boy Scouts of America with a note saying
In lieu of an honorarium, Member A has asked us
to make this donation to the Boy Scouts in honor
of his speech to our association.  Is this
permissible?
112
Click here to try again!
113
Question 35
Question A private organization is putting on an
event and asks your Member if he could be a
co-sponsor. Is it permissible for you to
accept?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
114
That is Correct!
The answer is No.

• Explanation
• No. Co-sponsoring an event with an outside
  organization implicates House Rule 24, the rule
  prohibiting private subsidy of House business.
  For further guidance, see 2008 House Ethics
  Manual at 340-346.

Question A private organization is putting on an
event and asks your Member if he could be a
co-sponsor. Is it permissible for you to
accept?
115
Click here to try again!
116
Question 36
Question A Member is having a town hall meeting,
and a friend of the Member has offered to provide
some light refreshments, such as soft drinks and
cookies. The total cost of the refreshments will
be less than 50. Can the Member accept?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
117
That is Correct!
The answer is No.

• Explanation
• No, House Rule 24 generally prohibits House
  Members and staff from accepting, in connection
  with any such event, any financial support,
  goods, or in-kind services having monetary value
  from any private or organization. For further
  guidance, see 2008 House Ethics Manual at
  341-344.

Question A Member is having a town hall meeting,
and a friend of the Member has offered to provide
some light refreshments, such as soft drinks and
cookies. The total cost of the refreshments will
be less than 50. Can the Member accept?
118
Click here to try again!
119
Casework
120
Casework
121
Question 37
Question A constituent who has been an active
supporter of a Member is being audited by the
IRS, and he has told the Member that the IRS is
badly mistreating him. The Member would like to
call the IRS District Director and ask him to
come to a meeting in the congressional office on
the matter. Can the Member do this?
Choose the correct answer
Yes
No
122
That is Correct!
The answer is No.

• Explanation
• No, there should be no preferential treatment or
  special access for supporters, contributors, or
  friends. However, this does not mean that a
  Member is precluded from providing any official
  assistance to supporters, contributors, or
  friends. For further guidance, see 2008 House
  Ethics Manual at 308-309

Question A constituent who has been an active
supporter of a Member is being audited by the
IRS, and he has told the Member that the IRS is
badly mistreating him. The Member would like to
call the IRS District Director and ask him to
come to a meeting in the congressional office on
the matter. Can the Member do this?
123
Click here to try again!
124
Are you sure you would like to exit?Note You
will not receive credit for having completed the
ethics training requirement unless you finish the
activity.
125
Congratulations! Youve completed the Ethics
Training Module on General Topics! Before
exiting, please to send an e-mail to the
Committee to alert us that you have completed the
ethics training.
Note Please be sure to include your full name
and the office with which you are employed within
the e-mail.
CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE
OK