Employees’ Right to Petition Congress (5 USC § 7211)

5 U.S. Code § 7211 enshrines and protects the fundamental right of federal employees to directly engage with the legislative branch of government. It mandates that employees, individually or collectively, can petition Congress, a Member of Congress, or furnish information to Congress or a committee without interference. This right ensures employees have avenues for voicing concerns about government operations, proposing legislative changes, or seeking redress for grievances they may have with their workplace. This open channel of communication fosters transparency and accountability within the federal system, allowing employees to play a role in shaping government policies and practices that affect them.

The right of employees, individually or collectively, to petition Congress or a Member of Congress, or to furnish information to either House of Congress, or to a committee or Member thereof, may not be interfered with or denied.