Hatch Act Violations and FSA

A Politico piece on proposals to change the Hatch Act says:

Lerner also said the standard penalty dictated by the Hatch Act — termination of employment — is too harsh in most instances and may even encourage agencies not to report violation

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/65374.html#ixzz1a89W5TEe

I'm too lazy to research, but if memory serves the ASCS employees in the 1990's were found guilty of violating the Hatch Act and paid $1,000 fines, but didn't lose their jobs.  One of them solicited me for money on the phone during work hours, not that I was ever asked to testify nor did I volunteer the information. Since the Dems were in power and the solicitation was on behalf of a bundling organization giving to Clinton, I doubt the agency reported the violation.  I think we can thank a whistleblower.