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H.R. 200 97th Congress House

Federal Employees Political Activities Act of 1981

Official title: A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to restore to Federal civilian employees their rights to participate voluntarily, as private citizens, in the poli… Show full official titleShow less

Official title: A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to restore to Federal civilian employees their rights to participate voluntarily, as private citizens, in the political processes of the Nation, to protect such employees from improper political solicitations, and for other purposes.

Introduced: January 5, 1981 See on congress.gov
Government Operations and Politics Campaign fundsCivil service employmentDistrict of ColumbiaElection candidates
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Employee rightsFederal employees and officialsGovernment employees' political activitiesLabor and EmploymentLeave of absenceLocal and Municipal GovernmentLocal officials and employeesMunicipal officials and employeesPolitical rightsState officials and employeesStatesVoting
This bill died when the 97th Congress ended
It never became law before the 97th Congress (1981–1982) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 7 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Aug 20, 1981
Unfavorable Executive Comment Received From OMB.
Aug 20, 1981
Unfavorable Executive Comment Received From OPM.
Mar 24, 1981
Unfavorable Executive Comment Received From GAO.
Feb 12, 1981
Executive Comment Requested from OMB, OPM.
Feb 10, 1981
Referred to Subcommittee on Civil Service.
Jan 5, 1981
Referred to House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service.
Jan 5, 1981
Introduced in House
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 Latest action August 20, 1981

Unfavorable Executive Comment Received From OPM.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Federal Employees' Political Activities Act of 1981 - Revises provisions which prohibit Federal 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. Prohibits employees from using any information obtained through their employment and not publicly available for any political purpose.

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 contribution to vote or refrain from voting; (3) giving a contribution to a superior; (4) soliciting or receiving a contribution from a subordinate employee; (5) soliciting or receiving a contribution in specified facilities; or (6) soliciting or receiving a contribution from or giving a political contribution to an employee, Member of Congress, officer of a uniformed service, or agent of such individual, or any person who has or is seeking business interests affected by such employee's agency. Directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to prescribe certain exemptions to such prohibitions.

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. Allows employees holding certain restricted positions to take part in political management or a political campaign only under specified conditions.

Requires an employee to notify his or her agency upon becoming a candidate for political office. Permits an employee to take annual leave or leave without pay to engage in activities related to such candidacy.

Sets forth the penalties to be imposed against any employee who is found by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) to have violated provisions of this Act.

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

Directs the OPM to report to Congress on the effect of the provisions of this Act on political participation by Federal employees, the merit system and the improper use of official influence or information.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 200: Federal Employees Political Activities Act of 1981. 97th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/97-HR-200/
MLA
"H.R. 200: Federal Employees Political Activities Act of 1981." 97th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/97-HR-200/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 200, 97th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/97-HR-200/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 200: Federal Employees Political Activities Act of 1981](https://openamerica.io/bill/97-HR-200/)
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