Whistleblower Protection Bill Passes in the House
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House today passed the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act, ensuring that no federal employee – including the president and vice president – can interfere with or retaliate against a whistleblower sharing information with Congress. Juley Fulcher, worker health and safety advocate for Public Citizen, released the following statement:
“Federal workers play an essential role in identifying illegality, gross mismanagement, fraud, waste, and corruption. They often face retaliation – demotions, transfers, bogus criminal investigations, job loss, and public exposure – that puts their safety at risk.
“During the Trump administration, scientists with information about the pandemic and climate change were censored, demoted, or lost their jobs completely. Furthermore, one reason our democracy remains at risk is because of the intimidation of potential whistleblowers with information about the January 6 attack on the Capitol, and other attempts by former President Donald Trump to stay in power. Those with vital information for our health, security, and well-being must be protected and empowered to step forward.”
“Today the House took a key step toward ensuring our government works for the people by supporting and protecting federal workers.”