PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Nov 19, 2021
Hatch Act Accountability Act
This bill expands the jurisdiction of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) to investigate and enforce Hatch Act violations. The Hatch Act prohibits civil service employees in the executive branch of the federal government from engaging in some forms of political activity (e.g., advocating for or against a partisan political party while on duty). The purpose of the act is to maintain a federal workforce free from partisan political influence or coercion.
Specifically, the bill allows OSC to investigate Hatch Act violations involving White House political appointees. If OSC determines that a White House political appointee has violated the Hatch Act, the bill allows OSC to refer a complaint to the Merit Systems Protection Board for imposition of a civil penalty of up to $50,000.
The bill also allows OSC to investigate Hatch Act violations regardless of whether a complaint has been filed.
People & committees
Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-12] · D–NY
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Feb 4, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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