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 In this section:

                Ethics

Ethics

                        Prohibited Financial Interests for FDA Employees
          The Hatch Act: Political Activity and the Federal Employee
          Ethics and Integrity Contacts
          Ethics Laws and Regulations
          Gifts to FDA
          Outside Activity
          Post-Employment Restrictions
          Related Ethics Sites


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          Ethics
          The Hatch Act: Political Activity and the Federal EmployeeEthics The Hatch Act: Political Activity and the Federal Employee
  
  	
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    PrintWhat is the Hatch Act and how does it apply to me?

Who are “further restricted” employees?

Who are “less restricted” employees?

Where can I find a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” for political activities?

Where can I find additional information about political activity restrictions for Federal employees?

The Hatch Act

The Hatch Act restricts federal employee participation in certain partisan political activities.  The political activity restrictions apply during the entire time of an employee’s federal service.  Certain rules prohibit both on-duty and off-duty conduct.

Partisan political activities are those activities directed at the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.  While most Federal employees are permitted to take an active part in partisan political management and partisan political campaigns, the Hatch Act does prohibit certain participation by all Federal employees.  Federal employees may not seek public office in partisan elections, use their official title or authority when engaging in political activity, solicit or receive contributions for partisan political candidates or groups, and engage in political activity while on duty.

FDA employees are categorized into “less restricted” and “further restricted” employees.

**Further Restricted Employees**

Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC) officers, Administrative Law Judges (ALJs), and Career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees are subject to further restrictive rules and cannot engage in partisan political activities even during off-duty hours or while away from work. These employees are largely limited to exercising the most basic rights of civic participation, such as voting, making political contributions, and expressing individual opinions.

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Less Restricted Employees

All other civilian FDA employees are considered “less restricted’ employees.

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"Do's and Don'ts"

Permitted and Prohibited Activities for Most Federal Employees.
	Permitted and Prohibited Activities for Federal Employees subject to further restrictions.Back to Top 

Additional Information

For additional resources, please see:

U.S.Office of Special Counsel WebsiteBack to Top

Related Links

Political Activities Checklist
	Political Activities and the Federal Employee
	Title 5, CFR, Parts 733
	Title 5, CFR, Parts 734

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      09/18/2019Ethics

          
                        Prohibited Financial Interests for FDA Employees
          The Hatch Act: Political Activity and the Federal Employee
          Ethics and Integrity Contacts
          Ethics Laws and Regulations
          Gifts to FDA
          Outside Activity
          Post-Employment Restrictions
          Related Ethics Sites


                        Special Government Employee (SGE) Resources
 
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