The change in language in the Education Department employees’ email in particular spurred concern among them that it made them vulnerable to charges of violating the Hatch Act. Image: Screenshot
By: FEDweek StaffA leading House Democrat on federal employment issues has filed a resolution of inquiry seeking information regarding messaging by federal agencies on responsibility for the shutdown.
“The American people expect their government’s official channels to provide neutral, factual information,” said Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., the ranking Democrat on the House government operations subcommittee. “These false, partisan messages coming from official federal sources are completely unacceptable and illegal against the backdrop of federal law. In the midst of a nationwide government shutdown, people deserve clarity—not chaos and confusion.”
The resolution—which is subject to a House vote before it would take effect—calls for information within 14 days of passage on (in its words):
- An OMB directive to agencies to include certain language in communications to employees regarding a potential lapse in appropriations;
- HUD’s posting on its website reading ‘‘The Radical Left in Con-13gress shut down the government. HUD will use available resources to help Americans in need”; and
- the Education Department’s decision to modify the out-of-office email messages of furloughed employees to read as follows: ‘‘Thank you for contacting me. On September 10, 2025, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5371, a clean continuing resolution. Unfortunately, Democrat Senators are blocking passage of H.R. 5371 in the Senate which has led to a lapse in appropriations. Due to the lapse of appropriations, I am currently in furlough status. I will respond to emails once government functions resume.”
“The misuse of federal resources to push a partisan agenda not only undermines the integrity of public service, but also represents a blatant violation of the Hatch Act and an affront to the dedicated federal employees who serve this nation with impartiality and professionalism,” said the AFGE union in supporting the resolution.
The change in language in the Education Department employees’ email in particular spurred concern among them that it made them vulnerable to charges of violating the Hatch Act.
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