Stop Partisan Propaganda on Federal Platforms During Shutdown
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I am writing to express my deep concern over the misuse of taxpayer-funded federal agency communications and websites to spread partisan messages regarding the current government shutdown. This practice, directed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, not only undermines the integrity of our government institutions but also likely violates federal ethics laws, specifically the Hatch Act.
Multiple agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Justice, Small Business Administration, and Department of Veterans Affairs, have added partisan language to their official platforms, blaming "Congressional Democrats" and the "Radical Left" for blocking funding. This unprecedented move deviates significantly from the neutral stance traditionally maintained by federal agencies during shutdowns.
The Hatch Act explicitly prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity while on duty. By using official government channels to disseminate politically charged messages, the current administration is potentially breaching this crucial ethical safeguard. This misuse of public resources erodes public trust and places federal workers in an ethically compromising position.
Furthermore, the White House's threat to fire certain federal workers during the shutdown, rather than following the standard furlough procedure, adds another layer of concern to this already troubling situation.
I urge you to take immediate action to address this issue. Please work to investigate the potential Hatch Act violations in these agency communications, demand the immediate removal of partisan language from all federal agency websites and communications, ensure that neutral, factual information is provided to the public regarding the government shutdown, and protect federal workers from unjust termination threats related to the shutdown.
Our government's credibility and the principles of ethical public service are at stake. Swift action is necessary to uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions and restore public confidence in the impartiality of our federal agencies. The ongoing shutdown makes this issue even more pressing, as the public relies on accurate, unbiased information during this challenging time.