HHS Secretary Becerra Found to Have Violated Hatch Act.

The Office of Special Counsel has determined that Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra violated the Hatch Act by expressing support for the reelection of Sen. Alex Padilla during a speech in his official capacity. The Hatch Act limits the on-the-job partisan political activities of federal employees. Becerra's remarks were "off-the-cuff" but still a violation of the law, according to the report. Penalties for violating the Hatch Act include removal from federal service, reduction in grade, debarment from federal employment for up to five years, reprimand or a civil penalty up to $1,000.