Reading Room Document

Application of the Hatch Act to the Vice President's Staff

The document discusses the application of the Hatch Act to the Vice President's staff and concludes that the exemption in 5 U.S.C. § 7324(d)(1) was intended to apply only to persons paid from the item for the "White House Office." The legislative history of the Hatch Act and the Appropriation Act supports this conclusion. The document also presents questions for review, such as whether the Vice President's staff should be exempt from the Hatch Act and if legislation is necessary to clarify their status. Additionally, it suggests potential solutions, including incorporating the appropriation for the Vice President's staff in the general appropriation for the White House Office or amending the Hatch Act to specifically exempt the Vice President's staff.

April 6, 1977