NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Congress Steps Up Free Mass Mailings

House members stepped up their taxpayer-financed mass mailings as the 1994 election year approached, according to a new study. In November and December, House members spent about $10 million to mail newsletters, cards and letters to constituents, the National Taxpayers Union Foundation said. That was nearly one-third of $33.5 million spent for the entire year. Recent restrictions, however, have cut the mail costs significantly. In 1991, the last non-election year, mass mailings in the House totaled $44.8 million. Despite the drop, foundation President David Keating said, “the House once again has begun a pre-election franking frenzy.” He said mass mail sent at taxpayer expense--known as franked mail--is a subsidy for incumbents and “self-promoting propaganda sent to citizens who never asked for it.” The foundation is a conservative group that analyzes congressional spending.