Ethics
Safeguarding the federal merit system at the Office of Special Counsel
COMMENTARY | A senior OSC attorney argues the agency’s work remains critical to protecting the federal merit system.
Ethics agency spells out holiday do’s and don’ts for federal employees
Ethics rules generally prohibiting government workers from giving presents to their bosses or accepting gifts from non-governmental organizations are particularly relevant around the holidays.
SSA chief Bisignano faces probe from Wyden and Warren over Fiserv stock and federal contract concerns
The Social Security commissioner has come under fire in recent days as shares in his former company depreciated shortly after his tax-advantaged divestiture from the financial technology firm.
Bisignano draws scrutiny as his former company falters
Just months after the Social Security commissioner and Internal Revenue Service CEO divested nearly $600 million in Fiserv investments, the business’ stock value tanked more than 40% on the news that Bisignano had issued overly rosy earnings guidance.
Ex-Veterans Affairs acquisition leader broke several ethics rules at 2023 conference, watchdog finds
Investigators reported that Judith Dawson generally ignored or dismissed ethics concerns raised by an employee.
Some Hatch Act restrictions loosened under the Trump administration
Based on the new rules, civil servants may be able to display campaign items supporting President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
Updated
Ethics and whistleblower officials fired by Trump
Hampton Dellinger, the ousted head of the Office of Special Counsel, filed a lawsuit that argued his removal was unlawful, and a federal judge reinstated him at least through Thursday.
Some Trump nominees face confirmation delays with ethics and background checks behind schedule
Lawmakers are demanding Senate Republicans not move forward without full vetting, a process delayed by Trump's transition foot-dragging.
Senate confirms Biden’s ethics czar, who will remain under Trump
Senate Democrats use dwindling floor time to confirm a new head for the government's ethics office, with whom Trump administration often butted heads in his first term.
Ethics office clears federal official for his Project 2025 involvement
The agency leader wrote a chapter for the document but did not break any ethics laws in doing so, OGE says.
Does the Hatch Act apply to you? Election season do's and don'ts
The first installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the elections.
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Can federal employees volunteer for political campaigns and make contributions? Election season do's and don'ts
The second installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the elections.
Can federal employees take part in political campaign activities? Election season do’s and don’ts
The third installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the elections.
How does telework affect the Hatch Act? Election season do’s and don’ts
The fourth installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the elections.
Lawmakers look to ban foreign payments to senior feds
Top federal executives would not be able to "betray the public's trust" under Democratic bill.
From holiday parties to gifts, ethics czar warns feds to stay cautious during holiday season
Be careful before accepting that glass of wine at your next holiday party.
VA’s work with outside vendors draws lawmaker scrutiny over conflicts of interest
Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., said VA’s claim it “had no occasions” where it identified an actual or potential conflict of interest with its contractors was “not believable.”
The Biden administration is without a confirmed ethics czar
This is the first time in five years that the federal government's ethics agency has been without a confirmed director. Trump holdover Emory Rounds stepped down when his term expired earlier this month.
A new bipartisan bill looks to thwart financial conflicts of interest for top government officials
“The bipartisan HONEST Act will provide greater transparency and safeguard public interest by establishing clear guidelines that prioritize the American people,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y.
Federal Officials’ Financial and Ethics Docs Would Be Easier to Find Under a New Bill
The legislation would fix the “labyrinthian process of requesting them,” said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, of the nonprofit Project on Government Oversight.
