THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
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:
- Public service is a public trust, requiring employees to place
loyalty to the Constitution, the laws, and ethical principles
above private gain.
- Employees shall not hold financial interests that conflict
with the conscientious performance of duty.
- Employees shall not engage in financial transactions using
nonpublic Government information or allow the improper use of
such information to further any private interest.
- 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.
- Employees shall put forth honest effort in the performance
of their duties.
- Employees shall not knowingly make unauthorized commitments
or promises of any kind purporting to bind the Government.
- Employees shall not use public office for private gain.
- Employees shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment
to any private organization or individual.
- Employees shall
protect and conserve Federal property and shall not use it for other than authorized activities.
- Employees shall not engage in outside
employment or activities, including seeking
or negotiating for employment, that conflict with official Government duties
and responsibilities.
- Employees shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse and corruption
to appropriate authorities .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.