Platts Legislation to Strengthen Whistleblower Protection for Federal Employees

Bill would help eliminate waste, fraud and abuse within the federal government.

Washington, D.C. - Today Congressman Todd Platts (PA-19) introduced the "Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act," legislation which aims to strengthen protections afforded to whistleblowers whose dedication to responsible government can wrongly result in bureaucratic harassment, career damage and economic loss.

Joining Congressman Platts to announce this bi-partisan legislation is the Government Accountability Project, the nation's leading whistleblower organization.

This legislation is the House companion to a bill already introduced in the United States Senate (S. 1358) by Senators Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and Charles Grassley (R-IA).

"Being a whistleblower takes courage," Congressman Platts says. "Reporting waste, fraud and abuse within the federal government should not result in harassment, a damaged career, or the loss of income or employment altogether. It is important for potential whistleblowers to feel that, if they come forward, they are truly protected by federal law."

The bill would amend the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) in response to a series of decisions by the Federal Circuit Court, which have weakened the WPA. The Federal Circuit Court has sole authority to review cases under the WPA. The Federal Circuit has stated in various cases that:

• An employee is not protected by the WPA if he or she directs criticism to the wrong-doer instead of to a higher authority.
• An employee is not protected by the WPA if the information disclosed was done so in the course of his or her duties.
• An employee is not protected by the WPA if the information disclosed is already known.

"The Whistleblower Enhancement Act" would make it clear that any disclosure of information is protected "without restriction to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure made to any person by an employee or applicant, including a disclosure made in the ordinary course of an employee's duties."

The legislation would also eliminate the Federal Circuit's monopoly jurisdiction over WPA cases for five years, expand the relief available to whistleblowers, and incorporate other recommendations developed by a bi-partisan group.

"I look forward to working with GAP, Senators Akaka and Grassley, and my colleagues in the House on this important issue," says Congressman Platts.