House Panel Clears Measure Protecting Whistleblowers

The U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Government Reform Committee has approved for consideration on the House floor the Whistleblower Enhancement Protection Act, H.R. 985. The measure:

• Extends to certain government employees and contractors, including intelligence personnel, protections against reprisal for disclosures of government waste, fraud, and abuse;

• Requires the Government Accountability Office investigate and produce a report of security clearance revocations linked to such disclosures;

• Imposes limits on government agencies’ abilities to invoke the “state-secrets privilege” when denying employees reinstatement of work, clearance, or pay.

Government Executive reported on the legislation here.

Filed Under: Reform, Laws & Regulations