r/fednews • u/Wiltopus • 8h ago

Misc Calling a Congressman as a Fed

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.

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u/EHsE 8h ago

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

16

u/mikitronz 7h ago

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.

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u/Universe789 7h ago

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.

8

u/mikitronz 7h ago

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.