Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Hatch Act Modernization Act of 2012. I am pleased that Senators Lieberman, Levin, and Lee have joined as cosponors. The Hatch Act restricts political activity of Federal employees, District of Columbia employees, and certain other state and local employees. Originally enacted in 1939, the Hatch Act has not been amended since 1993. The Hatch Act plays two very important roles. First, it ensures that the government works for American citizens regardless of the political party controlling the White House or Congress. Second, the Hatch Act protects Federal employees in the workplace. Specifically, the Hatch Act restricts Federal employees' partisan political action in order to protect them for being coerced to participate in political activities in the workplace. This is essential to the merit-based system that currently exists. In 2007, I chaired a hearing of the Senate Subcommittee of Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, which examined whether enhancements or clarifications to the Hatch Act were necessary. Since that time, I have considered what changes to the law would be appropriate, while being mindful that the Hatch Act represents a careful balance intended to shield employees from pressure to use federal time and money for partisan gain, while also protecting employees' personal freedoms of choice and expression.…”