WASHINGTON – In recognition of the role whistleblowers play in shining a light on fraud, waste and abuse, the members of the bipartisan Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus introduced a resolution to designate July, 30, 2016, as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. The resolution encourages federal agencies to acknowledge employees who call attention to fraud waste and abuse and remind employees of their legal rights as whistleblowers.

Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus, said: 
“Workers who come forward to report fraud or misconduct in their agencies are frequently punished by their superiors for simply telling the truth. These brave citizens should not be penalized, they should be praised. They save taxpayers billions of dollars each year, and they help to bring about a government more accountable to the people. 

“Long ago, our founders recognized that government needs honest and proactive employees to help ensure that it functions properly and efficiently. Our resolution reaffirms this idea and celebrates whistleblowers for their contributions to transparent and accountable government.”

Senator Ron Wyden, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Whistleblower Protection, said: 
“Congress has an obligation to stand up for individuals who risk their jobs and reputations to shine a light on threats to public safety and wasted taxpayer dollars. Whistleblowers in far too many parts of the government continue to face retaliation for speaking out. The Whistleblower Caucus is committed to fighting for fair treatment for these brave individuals and we are asking our colleagues to join us in supporting this resolution.”

The resolution, which is cosponsored by all 14 members of the caucus, highlights the United States’ history of supporting whistleblowers. Legislation passed by the Continental Congress on July 30, 1778, stated that government employees have a duty to report misconduct, fraud and other crimes in government to the appropriate authorities in a timely manner. Similar public policies remain in place today, yet whistleblowers are frequent targets of retaliation from within their own agencies.

The resolution is cosponsored by Grassley and Wyden as well as senators Mark Kirk of Illinois, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Tom Carper of Delaware, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Barbara Boxer of California, Joni Ernst of Iowa, Gary Peters of Michigan and John Boozman of Arkansas.

Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.

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