May 31, 2000

Campaigning Activities by Political Appointees

In a letter to the Office of Inspector General dated February 29, 2000, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, requested information concerning the political activities conducted by Departmental employees. The Committee also made similar requests to other Executive Branch Inspectors General. We performed an audit to determine whether campaigning activities by Departmental employees in politically sensitive positions were in accordance with applicable laws and policies and were not interfering with their official duties. We examined 90 trips taken during the 2-year period from March 1, 1998, through March 1, 2000, including trips in which you participated. We also reviewed trips taken by Deputy Secretary Glauthier, Under Secretary Moniz, and former Secretary Peña. In addition, we randomly selected trips taken by other Department employees in politically sensitive positions.