According to OSC.gov, the HATCH act is a federal law that was passed in 1939. The purpose is to limit certain political activities of federal employees and to ensure federal programs are administered in a non-partisan fashion.
Less restricted employees include most federal executive branch employees, including the Vice President and President. These employees may NOT engage in political activity while on duty, in ANY federal room or building, while in uniform, or using any federal owned or leased vehicle.
The penalties for violating the HATCH act include:
- Removal from federal office
- reduction in grade
- debarment from federal employment for up to 5 years
- Suspension
- Reprimand
- Civil Penaltie
Kamala Harris’s “closing argument” prior to the election was done from the VP Podium with the Official Seal of the Vice President. While this isn’t a direct violation of the HATCH act, I still feel that it was a violation in spirit because she was using her official title to endorse herself as a candidate.
What do YOU think?
Silent Scribbles 
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