Politics

Pillows Could Cause Congressional Insomnia

By Daniel Schuman

In a public relations move, Sleepy?s -- a mattress company -- announced it will give pillows to freshmen Members of Congress who sleep in their offices. The gifts, however, could run afoul of House gift rules.

A Member of Congress ?may accept a gift ? that [he or she] believes to have a value of less than $50,? according to House Rule XXV. So, what is a good night?s sleep worth?

Sleepy's press release isn?t clear, but it links to a two-pack of "Harmony Jumbo Pillows," which retail for $39.99, but are available for the low low price of $31.99, plus tax. If these are indeed the pillows that will be delivered to our nation?s capitol, Members of Congress can rest easy so long a the pillows don?t come from a registered lobbyist or a private entity that retains or employs registered lobbyists. If Sleepy?s has a lobbyist -- and it appears they do not -- the pillows need to be returned or paid for. Otherwise, the gift appears fine.

However, were Sleepy?s to provide a more expensive pillow set, say the ?Rapture Perfect Posture Memory Foam Pillow? (set of two) for $55.99 plus tax, or the ?Tempur-Pedic Rhapsody Pillow,? a steal at $199.99 plus tax, the gifts would cause a political nightmare.

Full post as published by Sunlight Foundation on January 28, 2011 (boomark / email).