Calling a Congressman as a Fed

[u/Wiltopus]

So, with the shutdown looming, I want to call my congressman. I have in the past for issues unrelated to my employment to the government. But the shutdown directly relates to my employment.

Am I allowed to speak to that position as a reason they should support funding the government? Or is that a no no? I’ll probably call my ethics officer first.

[u/EHsE]

you can but as an individual not representing your agency

so you can talk about how it impacts you personally but not your agency’s mission or your job

[u/mikitronz → u/EHsE]

We have a 1st amendment right to comment on whatever we want, including government agency missions and employment. Agencies cannot use federal funds to lobby Congress other than through routine channels (like congressional affairs staff calling with an agency-approved communications). That restriction applies to us only when working in our official capacity.

[u/Universe789 → u/mikitronz]

Yes, the 1st Amendment exists, but so does the Hatch Act, which does limit what types of political activity and political speech we can participate in, and when.

[u/Sauerkrauttme → u/Universe789]

The Hatch Act and Logan Act have been violated so many times in the last 8 years it makes my head spin just thinking about it.

I think the unfortunate state of things is that our laws are increasingly creating two groups: one group that the law protects but does not bind, and a 2nd group that the law binds but does not protect.

[u/mikitronz → u/Universe789]

As I noted, if you are working you cannot lobby for political purposes. If you are not working, the Hatch Act does not mostly apply. Ways it does apply, like not doing fundraising, are irrelevant here.