To provide for the continued operation of the Hatch Act Unit of the Office of Special Counsel during a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.
This bill aims to ensure the continued operation of the Hatch Act Unit within the Office of Special Counsel during any future lapse in appropriations. It achieves this by legally deeming the unit's services, which involve investigating alleged violations of the Hatch Act, as essential for "emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property." By classifying these duties under section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the bill allows officers and employees of the unit to continue their work. Specifically, this ensures the enforcement of sections 7323 and 7324 of title 5, United States Code, which govern the political activities of federal employees, even when other government functions are suspended due to a shutdown.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Government Operations and Politics
To provide for the continued operation of the Hatch Act Unit of the Office of Special Counsel during a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes.
USA119th CongressHR-5998| House
| Updated: 11/10/2025
This bill aims to ensure the continued operation of the Hatch Act Unit within the Office of Special Counsel during any future lapse in appropriations. It achieves this by legally deeming the unit's services, which involve investigating alleged violations of the Hatch Act, as essential for "emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property." By classifying these duties under section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the bill allows officers and employees of the unit to continue their work. Specifically, this ensures the enforcement of sections 7323 and 7324 of title 5, United States Code, which govern the political activities of federal employees, even when other government functions are suspended due to a shutdown.