The Office of Government Ethics: Ensuring Ethical Conduct in the Executive Branch
What is the Office of Government Ethics (OGE)?
The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) is an independent agency responsible for promoting ethical conduct within the executive branch of the U.S. government. Established in 1978, the OGE plays a crucial role in preventing and resolving conflicts of interest among government officials.
Mission and Responsibilities
The OGE’s mission is to help create and implement ethics programs within the executive branch’s 130 agencies. This includes:
- Providing guidance and training on ethical issues
- Reviewing financial disclosure reports of Presidential nominees
- Issuing Certificates of Divestiture for employees divesting assets to comply with ethics rules
- Assisting in the Presidential transition by reviewing the ethics qualifications of nominees
Role in Presidential Transitions
One of the OGE’s key roles is to aid in the Presidential transition. The office reviews the financial disclosure reports of any Presidential nominees to civilian positions that require Senate approval. The OGE also works with agencies and outside groups to establish best practices for the incoming administration.
Enforcement of Ethics Codes
While the OGE does not enforce ethics codes, it plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance. The office conducts training and provides resources to help agencies understand and implement ethical standards. Instances of ethical misconduct are typically referred to the relevant Inspector General or law enforcement agency.
Standards of Ethical Conduct
In 2017, the OGE finalized a significant overhaul of its Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. These standards address issues such as:
- Receiving gifts from outside sources
- Conducting business with vendors
- Dealing with corruption, nepotism, and conflicts of interest
Certificates of Divestiture
The OGE issues Certificates of Divestiture to Executive Branch employees who are required to sell off businesses or assets to comply with ethics rules. This allows employees to avoid paying capital gains tax on the sale if the cash is reinvested in Treasury bonds or mutual funds.
Examples from Past Presidents
Previous presidents have used various methods to resolve potential conflicts of interest:
- Barack Obama: Liquidated assets and converted them into treasury bonds and index funds
- Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush: Placed assets in a blind trust
- Jimmy Carter: Turned peanut farm over to a trustee
Best Practices for Ethical Conduct
To ensure the highest ethical standards, the incoming administration should consider adopting best practices such as:
- Establishing clear and comprehensive ethics policies
- Providing training and resources on ethical issues
- Creating a system for reporting and addressing ethical concerns
- Regularly reviewing and updating ethics programs
By working closely with the OGE and adhering to ethical guidelines, the executive branch can maintain public trust and ensure the integrity of government operations.
