Federal employees are subject to some specific prohibitions just because of their federal employment status, and the application of some restrictions depends on the employee status, e.g., regular employee versus Commissioned Officer versus Senior Executive Service. The following documents will help you understand what you may and may not do in the political arena.
- General Information About Lobbying Activities
- Hatch Act (Polictical Activity) Information
- US Office of Special Counsel (OSC) web site
- Hatch Act and Social Media (Prepared by OSC): Summary Email, and Guidance document (pdf, 6 pages)
- THE HATCH ACT Permitted and Prohibited Activities for Employees Who May Engage in Partisan Political Management and Campaigns (OSC, May 2011) (pdf, 1 page)
- THE HATCH ACT Permitted and Prohibited Activities for Employees Subject to Additional Restrictions (OSC, May 2011) (pdf, 1 page)
- Lobbying and Publicity or Propaganda Guidelines (OGC/ED Summary, 7/10)
- DHHS Updated Guidance Regarding Communications With Registered Lobbyists About Recovery Act Funds (11/30/09) including
- Revised OMB Guidance
Re: Communications With Registered Lobbyists About Recovery Act Funds
(8/12/09)
- May 2008 Memo from HHS Designated Agency Ethics Official re: Federal Agency Employee Contacts with Presidential Campaigns (transmitting the next document, pdf, 1 page, scanned image)
- April 2008 Memo from Counsel to the President re: Federal Agency Employee Contacts with Presidential Campaigns (pdf, 3 pages, scanned image)
- "On the Road" During the Campaign Season: A Practical Guide to Political Activity Restrictions (OGC, May 2008)
Employees are encouraged to seek advice from their IC ethics officials, the HHS Office of the General Counsel, Ethics Division, or the US Office of the Special Counsel (OSC) before engaging in political activities or lobbying.
Updated: 4/5/12
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