Use of Appropriated Funds To Purchase Business Cards

GAO was asked for further clarification of its views on business cards for Senators and their personal and Senate committee staffs. It was asked whether previous GAO decisions which prohibited the use of appropriated funds to purchase business cards in the executive branch agencies applied to the Senate, and whether Senators' office expense allowances other than the 10-percent discretionary allowance could be charged with the expense of business card printing. GAO would not object to the use of the Contingent Fund of the Senate, the home state office expense allowance, and stationary allowance to pay for necessary business card printing. The Senate Rules Committee could administer the determination of which employees are in need of government-supplied cards. While the Joint Committee is revising its regulations, an excellent opportunity is provided to have them make a formal ruling on the matter.