12/20/11: No “Merry Christmas” Letters from Capitol Hill

Members of the House of Representatives are being told that no holiday greetings, including “Merry Christmas,” can be sent out in official mail.
According to the Washington Examiner, members who submit official mailings for review by the congressional franking commission that analyzes all congressional mail to determine if it can be paid for with tax dollars, are being told that no holiday greetings, including “Merry Christmas,” can be sent.

One hill staffer said he called the commission to ask for clarification and was told no ‘Merry Christmas.’ He was also told the letters could not say ‘Happy New Year’ but can say ‘have a happy new year’. Happy Holidays is also permissible, but Merry Christmas is not.”

Members of Congress send millions of dollars worth of mail to constituents every year.