Hey, you know what’s funny? Apparently Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra violated the Hatch Act by expressing support for Democratic Senator Alex Padilla’s re-election. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel report cited Becerra’s comments that he intended to vote for Padilla while speaking at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus dinner in September in his official capacity. Looks like Becerra mixed his personal electoral preference with official remarks, oopsie!
Becerra, President Joe Biden’s top health official, said his comments were unintentional. Yeah, sure Xavier, we believe you…Not! He claims “While I did not realize at the time that my off-the-cuff remarks concerning my personal voting intentions were in violation of the Hatch Act, I now understand why they were not permitted.” Better late than never, am I right?
Now, if you’re wondering what the Hatch Act is, it prohibits federal employees from using their official capacity to affect or interfere with elections. Apparently, some other political activities are allowed, so it’s like…pick and choose? It’s a bit confusing, but you know, rules are rules.
The report was sent to Biden, a Democrat, for “appropriate action.” Oh, this is getting good. I can already imagine Biden giving Becerra an earful. Representatives for the White House could not be immediately reached for comment. Maybe they’re busy dealing with the latest political scandal unfolding like an episode of Real Housewives.
The Office of the Special Counsel, an independent agency, can make recommendations but does not have the authority to enforce them. So, what’s the point then? I guess it’s like a Yelp review for political officials. “Great service, loved the food, just violated the Hatch Act. 2/5 stars.”
This isn’t the first time this independent agency has called out government employees for their actions. It previously cited U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm for comments she made in a magazine interview last year. Under former Republican President Donald Trump, the office even cited top administration officials for violations and called for one, Kellyanne Conway, to be removed from office. Well, at least they’re consistent.
Serious News: cnbc
