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Operating Status: OGE is affected by the lapse in appropriations.

To learn more read our lapse plan here. Please note, OGE continues to review financial disclosure reports of Presidential nominees to positions requiring Senate confirmation.

Related Guidance for Federal Employees:
LA-18-16: Ethics Laws and Regulations Continue to Apply to Federal Government Employees during Furlough Periods
LA-19-01 : Ethics Guidance for Employees in Non-Pay Status During a Lapse in Appropriations
This FAQ provides guidance for those employees who participated in the Deferred Resignation Program or who are in other extended leave status.



OGE Issues a Legal Advisory to Assist Agencies in Identifying a “Sponsor” of an Event

April 18, 2017


On April 18, 2017, the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) issued a Legal Advisory to assist agencies in identifying a “sponsor” of an event for purposes of the Free Attendance Exclusion and the Widely Attended Gatherings (WAG) Exception to the gift rules in the Standards of Ethical Conduct at 5 C.F.R. 2635.203(b)(8) and 5 C.F.R. 2635.204(g).

The Legal Advisory provides the standard for identifying a “sponsor;” lists certain activities that increase the likelihood that an individual or organization could reasonably be construed as the “sponsor” of an event; contrasts a “sponsor” from a financial contributor; and provides several examples illustrating how an agency might apply the standard discussed in the Legal Advisory to determine the identity of the “sponsor” of an event. 

A copy of OGE’s Legal Advisory can be found here.