FederalDaily - April 27, 2005
Employees Cleared of Hatch Act Violations
A Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) administrative law judge recently
dismissed complaints against two federal employees for alleged violations of
the Hatch Act, according to the National Treasury Employees Union. The two
employees sent e-mails to around 25 people each during the 2004 presidential
election—one e-mail supported Democratic nominee Sen. John F. Kerry and
the other supported President Bush. The Office of Special Counsel, headed by
Scott Bloch, sough dismissal of both employees. However, the MSPB judge ruled
that while the Hatch Act prohibits on-duty “political activity,” it
protects the rights of federal employees to express their personal opinions
on political subjects at any time—whether on-duty or off.
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TSA Overspends and Wastes Money
A new Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (IG) report points to
inappropriate Transportation Security Administration (TSA) purchases—decorative
items such as silk plants and art—totaling $500,000, improper use of federal
purchase cards, and wasteful procurement and construction decisions, including
4,200 square-foot fitness center. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Joseph Lieberman,
D-Conn., sent a letter to TSA Assistant Secretary David Stone saying, “The
findings in this report are appalling.” The Senators asked Stone to ensure
that wasteful spending is prevented at the Transportations Security Operations
Center (TSOC). They also asked Stone for information on any disciplinary action
taken as a result of the incidents in the DHS IG report. For more on this story,
see the upcoming May 2, 2005 , issue of Federal Employees News Digest. To subscribe, click
here.
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Special Ops Boosts Troops
U.S. Special Operations Command is boosting its manpower and increasing its
support to theater commands and geographic commanders, according to the general
who oversees the force. Army Gen. Bryan Brown said since the 9/11 attacks,
the Special Operations Command has become the Department of Defense’s
lead in fighting terror. He said the command plans to increase its force strength
by more than 23,000 troops in the next four years. He added that this increase
will include the equivalent of two SEAL teams and about 500 Special Forces
troops. In addition to hiring, the command is using incentives—like bonuses—to
improve retention.
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