Comment from Green Greenwald
AnonymousOpposeAdvocacy
Summary: GreenCalifornia opposes the proposed governmentwide nondisclosure agreement, arguing that it prioritizes secrecy over transparency and could lead to an environment of surveillance and fear. They contend that the rule could be used to remove career employees for lack of loyalty and urge the OPM to protect the public's right to government oversight.
Office of Personnel Management,I submit this comment in opposition to the proposed governmentwide nondisclosure agreement rule on behalf of the public interest in transparent, accountable government. The proposal's justification—that unauthorized disclosures "disrupt agency operations and erode public trust"—inverts the reality that public trust is eroded by secrecy, not transparency. When federal employees are prevented from sharing information about problematic policies, mismanagement, or potential wrongdoing, it is the American people who lose the ability to make informed decisions about their government.The potential consequences outlined in the draft agreement are particularly troubling. Violations could result in termination, civil penalties, or criminal prosecution, and employees would be required to report suspected unauthorized disclosures by colleagues. This creates an environment of surveillance and fear incompatible with the nonpartisan civil service America needs. Combined with OPM's expanded suitability determination powers, this rule could enable the removal of career employees deemed insufficiently loyal rather than genuinely unfit for service. I urge OPM to reject this proposal and instead commit to protecting both legitimate government secrets and the public's right to oversight of their government.GreenCalifornia