The Office of Special Counsel has announced that it
reached an agreement with an attorney in the
Department of Justice’s civil division that had
co-hosted a political fundraiser in violation of the
Hatch Act, which is designed in part to prevent
partisan activity relating to most federal employment.
The employee will serve a short suspension and Justice
has agreed to train employees in the civil division
on the Hatch Act, which, prohibits most federal
employees from seeking nomination or election to a
partisan political office; soliciting, accepting or
receiving political contributions; using their
official authority to interfere with the results of
an election; and engaging in political activity while
on duty, among other things.
OSC said the attorney reported the violation, but
insisted co-hosting the was an accident.
Federal employees charged with violating the act
are entitled to a hearing before the Merit Systems
Protection Board.
