Yesterday a number of organizations, including my own (http://www.whistleblower.org/), advocated the addition of language to the economic stimulus bill that would protect federal employees who report fraud, waste, and abuse. On March 14, 2007, the House passed the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act by a strong and bipartisan vote of 331-94.
H.R. 985 would have strengthened the inadequate protections currently afforded to federal employees who allege retaliation for reporting illegalities, gross mismanagement and waste, and substantial and specific dangers to public health and safety. Although the Senate also passed whistleblower protection legislation last session, a final bill was not passed by both chambers prior to the adjournment of the 110th Congress.
Congressman Todd Platts (R-PA) said:
While I understand the current economic stimulus bill includes whistleblower language that would protect the employees of recipients of federal funds approved through the bill (including state and local employees and government contractors), federal employees responsible for overseing the hundreds of billions of dollars in this bill will remain inadequately protected under current whistleblower law.
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) also sponsored this amendment. With bipartisan support, please urge your Members of Congress to also support this.