Ethics 2008

1. Ethics 2008 NPA UPDATE

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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: www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/ethics/lobbying.htm

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Changes in USDA Ethics Office • USDA Office of Ethics – Science Ethics Branch email: ethics-science@usda.gov • Provides service to ARS, CSREES, ERS, FS – Research and Development, NASS, and NRCS – Soil Survey & Resource Assessment; Science and Technology

20. USDA Office of Ethics – Science Ethics Branch continued • Sue Mutchler, Mission Area Ethics Advisor, Beltsville, MD; 301-504-1442

21. NPA Ethics Contacts • Larry Chandler – Designated Area Ethics Advisor; 970-492-7058; larry.chandler@ars.usda.gov • Louise Dalton – 970-492-7058; louise.dalton@ars.usda.gov