Report of Prohibited Political Activity Under the Hatch Act OSC File No. HA‐22‐000223 (Xavier Becerra)

Excerpt:  “This Report of Prohibited Political Activity Under the Hatch Act (Report) contains the U.S. Office of Special Counsel’s (OSC) investigative findings in OSC File Number HA‐20‐000223, a complaint of prohibited political activity. The complaint alleges that Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra violated the Hatch Act on September 15, 2022, by expressing support for Senator Alex Padilla’s reelection while speaking in his official capacity at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Annual Awards Gala. Upon receipt of the complaint, OSC investigated whether Secretary Becerra engaged in the alleged activity. As detailed below, OSC has determined that Secretary Becerra violated the Hatch Act. Thus, pursuant to the authority described in 5 U.S.C. § 1215(b), OSC presents this Report to the President for appropriate action.”