Travel: Who Pays and What's Allowed

Members of Congress travel frequently — between Washington and their home districts, to committee hearings and fact-finding trips, and occasionally internationally. How that travel is funded matters.

Official travel (between D.C. and the district, committee trips) is paid from the member's office budget (MRA) or from committee funds. Members typically fly coach or business class on commercial airlines, though some use military aircraft for official overseas trips known as Congressional Delegations (CODELs).

Privately-funded travel is more controversial. Outside organizations — think tanks, trade associations, universities, foreign governments — can pay for members and staff to travel for events related to their official duties. These trips must be pre-approved, disclosed publicly, and related to the member's work. A sponsor can pay for up to business-class airfare, hotel, and meals. The member cannot extend the trip for personal vacation at the sponsor's expense.

The franking privilege allows members to send official mail to constituents for free — paid by taxpayers. This cannot be used for campaign materials, personal correspondence, or soliciting votes. However, critics argue that official "newsletters" and "constituent updates" often blur the line with campaign advertising, especially near elections.