The Inspector General (IG) of the Intelligence Community, Michael K. Atkinson, calls IGs “first responders.” In his semi-annual report to Congress, he writes:
As so-called first responders, Inspectors General must act swiftly and appropriately when – through audits, investigations, inspections, or reviews – possible wrongdoing is revealed. They must identify, stop, or correct the problem, and in the process, they may need to alert those who can assist in the response, whether it be Congress, law enforcement authorities, or others.
He goes on to write that, like all ‘first responders, his team is dependent “upon those who first raise an alarm.” Often, whistleblowers are the first people to note waste or possible wrongdoing.
Continue Reading A “searing time” for whistleblower rights — and a pledge to protect them
Our view is that the President’s actions are very likely violating laws prohibiting intimidation of witnesses and reprisals against whistleblowers. Moreover, he is failing to uphold his duty to enforce the anti-reprisal law. Regardless of how Congress proceeds on the impeachment inquiry, it must forcefully assert itself here. Congress needs whistleblowers to perform its constitutional oversight role and otherwise ensure implementation of the laws it passes. To defend its role in our system of checks and balances, Congress must insist that the President reverse course.
For more on this topic, check out the upcoming Double Exposure film festival and symposium. 
