Ethics 2008 NPA UPDATE

Public Service is a Public Trust Each employee has a responsibility to the U.S. government and its citizens to place loyalty to the Constitution, laws and ethical principles above private gain. Each employee should respect and adhere to the established principles of ethical conduct.

Topics to be Reviewed General Principles for Federal Employees Hatch Act/Political Activity Lobbying Financial Disclosure CFC/Fundraising Travel

General Principles for Federal Employees Public service is a public trust. Employees should not hold financial interests that conflict with their duties. Employees should not engage in financial transactions using nonpublic information. Employees should put forth honest effort in the performance of their duties. Employees should not make unauthorized commitments or promises. Employees should not use public office for private gain. Employees should not solicit or accept gifts from anyone seeking official action with the employee’s agency.

General Principles, cont. Employees should act impartially. Employees should protect Federal property. Employees should not engage in outside employment or activities that conflict with official duties. Employees should disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption. Employees should satisfy their financial obligations. Employees should adhere to all laws and regulations that provide equal opportunity for all Americans. Employees should avoid actions creating the appearance that they are violating laws or ethical standards.

Hatch Act/Political Activity The Hatch Act restricts the political activity of executive branch employees who work in connection with federally funded programs. Amendments to the Act allow employees to take an active part in political management and political campaigns.

Permitted Political Activities Be candidates in nonpartisan elections. Register and vote as you choose. Assist in voter registration drives. Contribute money to political organizations. Attend political fundraising events. Attend and be active at political rallies and meetings. Join and be an active member of a political party. Sign nominating petitions. Campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections. Make campaign speeches for partisan candidates. Distribute campaign literature.

Employees May Not Use official authority or influence to interfere with an election. Solicit or discourage political activity of anyone with business before their agency. Solicit or receive political contributions. Be candidates in partisan elections. Engage in political activity while on duty, in a government office, wearing an official uniform, or using a government vehicle. Wear partisan political buttons while on duty.

Lobbying Lobbying activities are governed by the Anti- Lobbying Act (18 USC Section 1913). Prevents employees from using appropriated funds to lobby a Federal, state, or local government official with respect to any pending or proposed legislation, resolution, appropriation, or measure. Reference:

Employees May: Communicate through normal channels with Members of Congress in support of Administration or Department positions. Communicate with the public through public speeches, appearances and published writings to support Administrative positions (can’t call on the public to contact legislators). Communicate privately with members of the public to inform them of Administration positions and to promote those positions – but only to the extent that such communications do not violate rules listed.

Employees May Not: Engage in grass roots lobbying campaigns urging individuals to contact government officials in support or opposition to legislation. Provide administrative support for the lobbying activities of private organizations. Prepare editorials or other communications that will be disseminated without an accurate disclosure of the government’s role in their origin. Appeal to members of the public to contact their elected representatives in support or opposition to legislative matters or proposals.

Personal Time The Anti-Lobbying Act does not prohibit employees from participating in lobbying activities while on personal time. You may contact Congress in a personal capacity (5 USC Section 7211). Cannot use appropriated funds or resources. Employees should provide a disclaimer which indicates that the views expressed do not reflect the position of the individual’s employing agency.

Confidential Financial Disclosure Financial disclosure is a mechanism to safeguard employees and agencies from conflicts of interests. Certain employees above GS-15 file because it’s required by the Ethics in Government Act. Employees at or below GS-15 file if involved in contracting or procurement; administering or monitoring grants, licenses, etc.; regulating or auditing any non-Federal entity; or performing other activities having an economic effect on a non- Federal entity. Fund-holders are included. Collaborators also must file.

What is an OGE 450? OGE Form 450 is the Executive Branch Confidential Financial Disclosure Report. Employees fill out the report and generally send it in to HQ by mid-February of each year. Make sure you retain a photocopy for your files. OGE 450A can be used when you have no changes to the last 450 you filed.

THANKS!!! The Northern Plains Area was the only Area within ARS to have all of their employee confidential financial disclosure reports filed on time.

CFC The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) occurs annually and is the only authorized solicitation of employees in the Federal workplace on behalf of charitable organizations. Federal agencies take an active role in encouraging employee participation in CFC. Employee participation cannot be coerced. Efforts to involve non-Federal organizations must not violate other ethical rules.

Fundraising Private fundraising is not permitted in official space or on government time. Selling or delivery of items/products is not appropriate in the Federal workplace.

Travel Contributed Travel – you may accept travel or expenses for travel from an outside entity providing no conflict of interest is involved. You can’t accept cash or checks made payable to the traveler. Travel card – use of official travel VISA card is responsibility of traveler. Use must be for official travel expenses only, e.g. airline, hotel, car rental.

Changes in USDA Ethics Office USDA Office of Ethics – Science Ethics Branch Provides service to ARS, CSREES, ERS, FS – Research and Development, NASS, and NRCS – Soil Survey & Resource Assessment; Science and Technology

USDA Office of Ethics – Science Ethics Branch continued Sue Mutchler, Mission Area Ethics Advisor, Beltsville, MD;

NPA Ethics Contacts Larry Chandler – Designated Area Ethics Advisor; ; Louise Dalton – ;

Completion Credit In order to receive credit for your annual Ethics training, please click Submit and fill out the form that will follow: