1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

The current government shutdown has exposed a deeply concerning issue that threatens the integrity of our nonpartisan federal institutions. Several government agencies, including the Department of Education, Housing and Urban Development, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have posted messages on their official websites blaming Democrats for the shutdown. This blatant politicization of federal resources is not only inappropriate but potentially illegal under the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act, a crucial federal law, prohibits federal employees from engaging in certain political activities to maintain nonpartisan administration of federal programs. The messages currently displayed on government websites appear to violate this law by using official channels to spread partisan rhetoric. This is a serious matter that undermines public trust in our government institutions and must be addressed immediately. I urge you to take swift action on two fronts. First, demand the immediate removal of all partisan messaging from government websites and email accounts. These official platforms should provide factual information about the shutdown's impact, not serve as vehicles for political blame. Second, call for a thorough investigation into these potential Hatch Act violations and hold accountable any officials responsible for this misuse of government resources. Rep. Robert Garcia and the nonprofit group Public Citizen have already requested investigations into these messages. I ask that you support and amplify these efforts. The penalties for Hatch Act violations can range from warning letters to removal from federal service and civil penalties. It is crucial that we enforce these regulations to maintain the integrity of our democratic institutions. The government shutdown, which began on October 1 due to lawmakers' failure to agree on funding legislation, is causing significant hardship for many Americans. Instead of using this crisis to score political points, our government agencies should focus on providing clear, nonpartisan information and working towards a resolution. Your immediate action on this matter is not just about enforcing the law; it's about preserving the fundamental principle of nonpartisan public service in our democracy.