Objective:
To establish rigorous ethical standards and accountability measures for all federally elected, politically appointed, and federally hired employees and officials. This act aims to reinforce public trust by mandating transparency, honesty, and integrity in all official communications and actions, especially in the presentation of evidence or politically sensitive information.
Key Provisions:
- Ethical Responsibility as National Stewards
All federal officials must prioritize national interests over personal, political, or financial gain, acting as ethical stewards of the public trust.
- Transparency and Honesty in Communication
Federal officials are prohibited from engaging in any form of manipulation, exaggeration, or misleading communication. All statements, especially those related to politically sensitive topics, must be accurate, fact-based, and free from personal bias.
- Standards for Evidence and Information Disclosure
When presenting evidence or information to the public, federal officials must:
• Verify Information: Ensure that all publicly shared information is verified to the fullest extent possible.
• Avoid Exaggeration: Officials are strictly prohibited from overstating the strength or significance of evidence, particularly when it is based on hearsay or unverified sources.
• Label Unconfirmed Information: Any unverified or hearsay information must be clearly labeled as such, with officials refraining from presenting it as conclusive.
• Prompt Clarifications: If exaggeration or misleading information is disseminated, officials are required to issue prompt corrections to maintain public trust.
- Strict Consequences for Ethical Violations
To enforce these standards, any federal official found guilty of exaggerating, misrepresenting, or manipulating information will face disciplinary actions, which may include:
• Formal reprimands, suspensions, or termination based on the severity of the violation.
• Disqualification from future federal office for serious or repeated violations of public trust.
Purpose and Impact:
The Integrity in Public Service Act aims to set a high ethical standard for federal government officials, ensuring that they communicate with integrity and uphold transparency. By mandating accurate representation of evidence and prohibiting manipulation, this act will reduce misinformation and restore public confidence. Through clear consequences for violations, it underscores the duty of federal officials to act as true stewards of the nation’s values and resources.
This version focuses on the core ethical standards and the accountability measures that would reinforce them, providing a clear framework for ethical conduct without additional training or procedural details.