Office of Special Counsel

A few Hatch Act takeaways for federal employees this election season

The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from participating in political activities while on the job, but some have called for reforms to the 1939 law.

Workforce Rights/Governance

A look inside the small but potent Office of Special Counsel

Agency Oversight

Amelia Brust/Federal News Network

IG audit finds Treasury didn’t collect $472M in debts owed to 28 agencies

IT Modernization

Bob Tobias, professor at the Key Executive Leadership program of American University

Agencies aren’t always capable of investigating their own whistleblower complaints

Agency Oversight

Musurlian, Peter

A reminder for federal employees who itch to run for political office. Don’t.

Agency Oversight

Amelia Brust/Federal News Network

Merit Systems Protection Board, files, seal, stack, papers

Proof the tiny MSPB matters big

Federal Report

Flames rise from a pile of tree debris near the Bridge Crossing picnic grounds in Hatch Gulch Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, near Deckers, Colo. In Colorado, climate change means snow is not always on the ground when needed so that crews can safely burn off debris piles and vegetation to help keep future wildfires from becoming catastrophic.
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Biden admin. worries climate change will take a toll on federal budgets for years to come

Federal Newscast

The Old Post Office Pavilion Clock Tower, which remains open during the partial government shutdown, is seen above the Trump International Hotel, Friday, Jan. 4, 2019 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

House Dems think GSA should break lease with Trump Org. after accounting flaws revealed

Federal Newscast

House-passed oversight package would expand federal employee whistleblower protections

Agency Oversight

Should the Office of Special Counsel have more Hatch Act enforcement power?

Agency Oversight

The Hatch Act: A tiger with no teeth?

Federal Report

Probe finds Trump officials repeatedly violated Hatch Act

At least 13 former Trump administration officials violated the law by intermingling campaigning with their official government duties.

People

ATF misclassified jobs, improperly paid out law enforcement benefits, audit finds

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives misclassified more than 90 administrative positions as law enforcement jobs — and provided special…

Pay

VA accountability office says it’s improved, but whistleblowers aren’t so sure

Veterans Affairs

The House is considering new legislation in effort to reform VA’s beleaguered Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, while the Senate is hopeful new political leadership might “right the ship.”