For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 20, 2001
Memorandum
January 20, 2001
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT: Standards of Official Conduct
Everyone who enters into public service for the United States has a
duty to
the American people to maintain the highest standards of integrity in
Government. I ask you to ensure that all personnel within your
departments
and agencies are familiar with, and faithfully observe, applicable
ethics
laws and regulations, including the following general principles from
the
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch:
(1) Public service is a public trust, requiring employees to
place loyalty
to the Constitution, the laws, and ethical principles above private
gain.
(2) Employees shall not hold financial interests that conflict
with the
conscientious performance of duty.
(3) Employees shall not engage in financial transactions using
nonpublic
Government information or allow the improper use of such information to
further any private interest.
(4) An employee shall not, except as permitted by applicable law
or
regulation, solicit or accept any gift or other item of monetary value
from
any person or entity seeking official action from, doing business with,
or
conducting activities regulated by the employee's agency, or whose
interests may be substantially affected by the performance or
nonperformance of the employee's duties.
(5) Employees shall put forth honest effort in the performance of
their
duties.
(6) Employees shall not knowingly make unauthorized commitments
or
promises of any kind purporting to bind the Government.
(7) Employees shall not use public office for private gain.
(8) Employees shall act impartially and not give preferential
treatment to
any private organization or individual.
(9) Employees shall protect and conserve Federal property and
shall not
use it for other than authorized activities.
(10) Employees shall not engage in outside employment or activities,
including seeking or negotiating for employment, that conflict with
official Government duties and responsibilities.
(11) Employees shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption
to
appropriate authorities.
(12) Employees shall satisfy in good faith their obligations as
citizens,
including all just financial obligations, especially those -- such as
Federal, State, or local taxes -- that are imposed by law.
(13) Employees shall adhere to all laws and regulations that provide
equal
opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, age, or handicap.
(14) Employees shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the
appearance
that they are violating applicable law or the ethical standards in
applicable regulations.
Executive branch employees should also be fully aware that their
post-employment activities with respect to lobbying and other forms of
representation will be bound by the restrictions of 18 U.S.C. 207.
Please thank the personnel of your departments and agencies for their
commitment to maintain the highest standards of integrity in Government
as
we serve the American people.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|