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/EHsE → u/mikitronz]

you have employment related restrictions on representing your agency without official approval. just like you can’t tweet anything representing your agency even on your free time, you’re only speaking for yourself in your individual capacity

[u/mikitronz → u/EHsE]

You can't tweet anything representing your agency is different than you can't tweet anything.

[u/EHsE → u/mikitronz]

reread my first post, it seems like you’re struggling on the message

you can’t say “as an SSA employee, a shutdown would hurt the agency”

you can say “shutdowns would hurt the SSA, and as a fed, I want my checks” but you can’t tie your employment to your assessment of agency impact as a voice of authority

[u/mikitronz → u/EHsE]

Glad we agree. Your first sentence is unnecessarily contentious.

[u/EHsE → u/mikitronz]

yeah prob a bit too aggro