Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus

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National Whistleblower Appreciation Day Resolution Passes by Unanimous Consent

Washington, D.C. July 8, 2016. Yesterday, U.S. Senate unanimously passed S.Res.522, designating July 30, 2016 as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.

The resolution encourages all federal agencies to inform “employees, contractors working on behalf of United States taxpayers, and members of the public about the legal rights of citizens of the United States to ‘blow the whistle’ by honest and good faith reporting of misconduct, fraud, misdemeanors, or other crimes to the appropriate authorities.”  The resolution also acknowledges the contributions whistleblowers have made, at their own personal risk, “combating waste, fraud, abuse.”…
Continue Reading Senate Proclaims July 30th, 2016 A Day to Celebrate Whistleblowers

On July 30, the U.S. Senate’s Kennedy Caucus Room was packed with whistleblowers, their families and whistleblower advocates as six senators and one representative each gave moving remarks in recognition of National Whistleblower day. This event, hosted by the National Whistleblower Center, marked the first Congressional celebration of National Whistleblower Day. The commemoration of July 30th as National Whistleblower Day recognizes the passage of the first ever whistleblower law that date in 1778, as well as the crucial role whistleblowers play today in defending our nation from waste, fraud and abuse.
Continue Reading Senators Honor Whistleblowers at First Congressional Celebration of National Whistleblower Day

The Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus announced on April 14, that it is adding two new members. Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) are joining the bipartisan caucus, a group of senators committed to raising awareness of the value and need to protect individuals who call attention to fraud, waste and misconduct.

“Whether it is in the government or private sector, whistleblowers play an invaluable role to keep organizations accountable. Unfortunately, these brave and patriotic citizens often face ridicule and retaliation for their disclosures.  I’m happy that Senators Boozman and Carper are joining our effort on the Whistleblower Protection Caucus to protect whistleblowers and send the message that they should be commended, not condemned, for their work to keep their organization honest,” Grassley said. …
Continue Reading Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus Adds Members

A bipartisan group of senators commended the Department of Labor, Administrative Review Board’s (ARB) interpretation of federal whistleblower protections provisions, clarifying the statutory burdens of proof in whistleblower cases. In two recent decisions, Fordham v. Fannie Mae, ARB No. 12-061 (Oct. 9, 2014) and Powers v. Union Pacific Railroad, ARB No. 13-034 (Mar. 20, 2105), the ARB found that employees should be allowed to have a fair chance to make their case before having to rebut an employer’s rationale for taking action against the employee.

In a letter to the Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, the senators wrote that the ARB’s interpretation of the requisite standards of proof for both the employee and the employer in both decisions are consistent with the intent of Congress.  …
Continue Reading Senators Laud Labor Department’s ‘Burden of Proof’ Interpretation for Whistleblowers