Senate Marks National Whistleblower Appreciation Day in Unanimous Resolution

WASHINGTON – Members of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus, led by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), today celebrated National Whistleblower Appreciation Day by announcing two new caucus members: Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). The Senate unanimously passed a resolution, authored by caucus members, declaring July 30 National Whistleblower Appreciation Day earlier this week.

 

“Brave citizens who shine a light on fraud, waste or misconduct in government – often at great risk to their own careers and reputations – ought to be celebrated, encouraged and defended. Today, we recognize these patriots for their work to improve government. I’m grateful to be joined in this effort by the entire Whistleblower Protection Caucus and welcome its newest members, Senators Collins and Hassan. Whistleblowers need as much support as they can get, so I’m happy to see the caucus growing its ranks,” Grassley said.

 

“Whistleblowers make the unenviable choice to stand up against powerful institutions and shine a light on waste fraud and abuse. They deserve the full support of Congress, which is why I’m so pleased to welcome Senators Hassan and Collins as the newest members of the Whistleblower Caucus,” Wyden said.

 

“Whistleblowers play an important role in ensuring the accountability of our government and exposing waste, mismanagement, fraud, abuse, and illegal activity. As the author of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act that became law in 2012, I have worked to support whistleblowers and protect them from retribution for making legitimate disclosures of wrongdoing. On Whistleblower Appreciation Day, we thank these courageous individuals for making invaluable contributions that allow Congress to conduct proper oversight,” Collins said.

 

“Whistleblowers bravely come forward, often at their own expense, to expose wrongdoing at federal agencies. Their bravery helps reduce waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement at federal agencies, which helps to save taxpayer dollars and improve how the government serves the American people. I am committed to preserving the protections that allow whistleblowers to speak out without fear of reprisal,” Hassan said.

 

The resolution, which unanimously passed the Senate, celebrates the brave contributions of whistleblowers to combating waste, fraud, abuse, and violations of laws and regulations of the United States, dating back to its earliest days.

 

On July 30, 1778, the Continental Congress unanimously passed the first whistleblower legislation in the United States, stating that “it is the duty of all persons in the service of the United States, as well as all other the inhabitants thereof, to give the earliest information to Congress or other proper authority of any misconduct, frauds or misdemeanors committed by any officers or persons in the service of these states, which may come to their knowledge.’’ The resolution reaffirms these principles, and calls on federal agencies to support and encourage whistleblowers to properly disclose knowledge of fraud, waste or misconduct.

 

The resolution was introduced by the full roster of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus: Grassley, Wyden, Collins, Hassan and Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Maize Hirono (D-Hawaii), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.). It was also cosponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.).

 

The Resolution is available HERE.