WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined colleagues in introducing legislation to strengthen protections for whistleblowers who share valuable information with Congress. The Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), shields federal employees from retaliation, including termination in some cases, when they report information to Congress and expands protections to some federal employees who are not covered under current law.
“Whistleblowers support our democracy, helping to maintain accountability in the government and allowing Congress to exercise its oversight over government misconduct,” said Senator Hirono. “Given the actions of the Trump administration, whistleblowers have been crucial in bringing illegal activities to light and holding government officials accountable. This legislation will help to strengthen protections for whistleblowers, providing them with avenues for support if they face retaliation for disclosing important information on wrongdoing with Congress.”
The Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act expands upon the current Whistleblower Protection Act by strengthening protections and enforcement procedures as well as extending protections to FBI employees, intelligence community employees, and federal contractor employees. The legislation also ensures meaningful relief to whistleblowers for their federal claims, including lost wages and benefits, cost and attorney fees, and reinstatement.
In addition to Senators Hirono and Blumenthal, the legislation was cosponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).
The legislation is endorsed by Government Accountability Project, the National Whistleblower Center, and Project On Government Oversight.
The full text of the bill is available here.
###