Oversight

The Perils of Politics in Government: A Review of the Scope and Enforcement of the Hatch Act

Date: October 18, 2007
Time: 10:00am
Location: Senate Dirksen Building, SD-342
Agenda:

The Hatch Act restricts the political activity of executive branch employees of the federal government, the District of Columbia, and some state and local employees who work on federally-funded programs. The Office of Special Counsel (OSC), which investigates and prosecutes possible Hatch Act violations, currently is investigating possible violations related to briefings provided by White House staff throughout the federal government. In light of this far-reaching investigation and the upcoming election season, now is an opportune time to review how the Hatch Act is functioning. This hearing will examine the scope of Hatch Act, how it is enforced, and whether the Act needs to be enhanced or clarified.

Witnesses

Panel 1

Mr.

James

Byrne

Deputy Special Counsel

U.S. Office of Special Counsel

Panel 1

Mr.

Chad

Bungard

General Counsel

Merit Systems Protection Board

Panel 2

Ms.

Colleen M.

Kelley

National President

National Treasury Employees Union

Panel 2

Mr.

John

Gage

National President

American Federation of Government Employees

Panel 2

Mr.

Tom

Devine

Legal Director

Government Accountability Project

Related Files

John Gage (NULL)