The Hatch Act came into effect on the 2nd of August 1939 under the name of Carl A. Hatch. He was a Democrat and Senator of New Mexico at that time. The act was enacted by the 76th United States Congress and was established after the Political event that made the Public feel outrageous during the period of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The act is made to stop harmful and destructive political activities.
Activities that are prohibited under Hatch Act
- The Hatch Act was passed to prohibit federal employees from interfering in certain kinds of political activities.
- Federal Employees must be working in the programs that are funded wholly and partly by Federal Government.
- Examples of some federally financed programs are Public wealth, anti-poverty, urban renewal and employment security etc.
- The limits are put on them so that they can perform their job in a nonpartisan way.
- The act doesn’t only put restrictions on these employees while they are performing their federal function but also protects them from political pressure and any type of political coercion.
- The act also ensures that federal employees are promoted only if they are capable and not because they are associated with any political association.
Subjects of the Hatch ACT
The act applies to all state, Districts of Columbia and local federal employees. the non-profit organization and private employees who receive funds from the Federal Government are also subject to comply with the provisions of this Act.
Violation of HatHatch ACTch Act by Karine Jean Pierre
As per a government watchdog agency, Karine Jean Pierre, the press secretary of the white house violated the Hatch Act last year during a briefing by using the term mega MAGA Republicans officials repeatedly from the podium.
Despite the remark, She did not use any direct statement to ask the viewers to vote against or in favour of RepubHatch Actlican candidates.
she used the term MAGA Republics 4 times before the November 2022 midterm election.
Investigation on Mega MAGA by OSC
The complaint was filed in the US Office of special counsel or OSC to investigate and punish Karine Pierre. OSC is the enforcing body of the Hatch Act.
OSC concluded from the frequency and the content of her statement that it was made in opposition to the Republican candidates indirectly. Hence, her remarks come under the definition of “political activity” that is given under the Hatch Act.
Warning Letter to Karine Pierre by Galindo Marrone
A warning letter is issued to Krine Pierre for her act from Galindo Marrone after finding out that she did violate the act.
Galindo Marrone the head of the OSC, wrote in the letter that mega MAGA republic officials mean politicians who don’t believe in the Rule of law.
Karine Pairee violated the hatch act because she was prohibited from interfering in political activity in her official capacity. hence, she can’t do any act which in any way affects or influence the decision of the election.
Reply of Karine Pierre on OSC Warning Letter.
In reply to the warning letter from the OSC, Karine Pierre said that the term Mega MAGA Republicans was used by President Joe Biden in a speech at the Democratic National Committee various times before her and she used it because it was given by her official.
She further said that she has used the slogan of her previous administration President Donald Trump. The slogan MAGA simply means ” Make America Great Again”.
She said that she made the statement a year ago and hence the nature of the letter is retroactive.
In case of violation of the provisions of the Hatch Act, federal employees may be removed from the federal department, prohibit from the service for 5 years and may be asked to pay $1000 as Penalty.