Jim Jordan says FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan may have violated the Hatch Act

(Ray Bogan)

Say the Republicans in the House of Representatives FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan He may have violated the Hatch Act, a federal law that restricts political activity by federal employees. Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, accused Khan of appearing at campaign-style events and lobbying to elect Democratic candidates.

In one Letter to KhanJordan said: “Federal law and FTC ethics rules prohibit you from attending political events and using appropriated funds for political activities.”

Jordan cited reports from Punchbowl news It said Khan spent a week in early October traveling with five Democrats running for re-election. The events took place Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin and Arizona and Khan discussed topics like Corporate power and worker freedom, price gouging and health care.

The letter to khan stated: “Your campaign tour at least creates the impression that you have violated ethical standards by campaigning for the election of partisan political candidates.”

According to the Office of the Special CounselThe purpose of the Hatch Act is this Ensure federal programs are administered impartially and protect federal employees from political coercion in the workplace.

Jordan wants Khan to tell him who planned the events, who paid for the travel and accommodations, and also to give him any advice or guidance Khan received from the agency's ethics officers regarding her appearances. Khan and the FTC have not yet publicly responded to Jordan.