Federal Employees' Political Activities Act

(Measure passed House, amended, roll call #319 (244-164))

Federal Employees' Political Activities Act - Revises provisions which prohibit Federal employees, Postal Service employees, and District of Columbia employees from engaging in political activities.

Continues proscriptions against employees using their official authority or influence to interfere with the result of any election or to coerce the political action of any person.

Modifies provisions relating to the solicitation and offering of political contributions by Federal employees. Prohibits employees from: (1) giving or offering to give a political contribution to any individual either to vote or refrain from voting; (2) soliciting or receiving a political contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (3) knowingly giving a political contribution to a superior; (4) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from another employee with respect to whom such employee is a superior; (5) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution in specified facilities; or (6) knowingly soliciting or receiving a political contribution from or giving a political contribution to an employee, Member of Congress or officer of a uniformed service.

Prohibits the intimidation or coercion of any Federal employee regarding political activity by any employee organization.

Prohibits an employee from (1) soliciting a political contribution from any individual over whom the agency for which such employee works has jurisdiction, or (2) soliciting campaign funds from an entity with whom he has responsibility to audit or negotiate contracts.

Prohibits employees, with specified exceptions, from engaging in political activities while on duty, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying their position, or in designated areas.

Directs the Civil Service Commission to investigate reports and allegations of prohibited activity. Requires the Commission to give notice to the employees involved of apparent violations, except when the conduct of specified officials is involved, in which case the Commission is directed to refer the matter to the Attorney General and to report to Congress and the President. Directs the Commissioners of the Civil Service Commission to render a final decision on the apparent violation on the basis of the record after a hearing conducted by a hearing examiner and any exception to such decision filed by the employee.

Permits an employee upon whom a penalty is imposed by an order of the Commissioners to seek judicial review.

Authorizes the Commissioners to award legal expenses to an employee litigating a case in Court or before the Commission, if the employee is found not to have violated the law.

Specifies penalties for violation of the prohibitions contained in this Act.

Directs the Commission to establish a continuing program to inform all employees of their rights of political participation and to educate employees with respect to those activities which are prohibited.

Creates a specific criminal offense for extortion of political contributions from Federal personnel.

Permits State and local employees to run for political office if they are in federally funded positions.

Directs the Commission to report to Congress on the effect of the provisions of this Act.