Advances by individuals
General rule
When an individual uses personal funds (or personal credit) to pay for a campaign expense, that payment is generally an in-kind contribution from that individual. For example, an in-kind contribution results if a campaign staff member pays for postage, office supplies or campaign materials with personal funds. This rule also applies to payments made by volunteers and by the candidate.
Although such advances are considered in-kind contributions until reimbursed, special reporting rules apply when individuals pay for campaign expenses and later receive reimbursement from the committee. Travel expenses later reimbursed by the committee are treated differently.
Congressional staff
House Rules and related guidance issued by the Committee on Ethics, as well as the criminal statute at 18 U.S.C. §603, prohibit official staff from making a contribution to the campaign of their employing Member of Congress. As such, it is important for those individuals to avoid advancing any funds to the campaign (for example, buying stamps for a campaign mailing).
For more information, contact the Senate Select Committee on Ethics or the House Committee on Ethics. For information about political activity by federal employees, contact the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.
