WASHINGTON – On National Whistleblower Day, whistleblowers helped by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) expressed their gratitude for his tireless advocacy. Grassley is the co-founder and co-chair of the Whistleblower Protection Caucus.
In March, the Department of Treasury promoted Internal Revenue Service (IRS) whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler after Grassley urged the department to do so. In May, Grassley secured promotions, restored law enforcement credentials and backpay for three Customs and Border Protection (CBP) whistleblowers.
This month, Grassley spearheaded a resolution marking July 30th as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. The resolution celebrates whistleblowers who risk their careers, jobs and reputations to report waste, fraud and abuse that can cost billions each year. Grassley also introduced legislation to strengthen whistleblower protections for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employees and federal contractors, while calling on President Trump to ensure federal downsizing initiatives aren’t used to retaliate against whistleblowers.
Here’s what the whistleblowers had to say about Grassley’s work:
“We saw firsthand why Senator Grassley is known as the Patron Saint of Whistleblowers. From the very beginning, he took our concerns seriously and stood by us every step of the way. Just when it felt like all hope was lost, he found a way forward. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering support – not only for us, but for the hundreds of other whistleblowers he’s championed over the years. We will never be able to repay the senator for his unwavering commitment, but we are dedicated to carrying his example forward,” IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler said.
“For 7+ years, Senator Grassley and his staff have been the singular unwavering advocate and champion for me as a federal whistleblower. When my elected Congressmen and Senators ignored and dismissed my requests for assistance, Senator Grassley was the lone voice of support. Grassley and his staff fully vetted my whistleblower allegations and engaged with the Biden administration to address the Whistleblower Retaliation. Grassley’s commitment to stay the course has led to positive and meaningful cooperation with President Trump, Secretary Noem and CBP Commissioner Scott. I can attest that Grassley is a true and honorable statesman and an unwavering man of his word. I have confidence in Grassley’s commitment to holding those accountable for their retaliation and remaining with whistleblowers until there is a proper resolution. The words ‘thank you’ are inadequate and cannot express my respect and gratitude for Senator Grassley,” Customs and Border Protection (CBP) whistleblower Mark Jones said.
“Over seven years ago, my colleagues and I reported an orchestrated, willful obstruction of the law, which facilitated thousands of murders and sexual assaults on U.S. soil. Even after our allegations were clearly substantiated by federal agencies, Customs and Border Patrol committed clear reprisals against us, rewarding the perpetrators while our careers were ruined, and our health and reputations were irreparably harmed. Senator Grassley affected more relief for us in two years than all the other oversight and whistleblower protection entities achieved over the last seven years. One dedicated senator from Iowa did so much more to protect whistleblowers than anyone else. Thank you, Senator Grassley, for defending those whose only interest is serving the public and honoring their oath to the Constitution,” Customs and Border Protection (CBP) whistleblower Mike Taylor said.
“I am grateful for all the time Senator Grassley and his staff have spent working on our behalf over the past seven years. They’ve helped hold the individuals accountable who retaliated against us for reporting obstruction of a law intended to keep Americans safe. We worked extensively with multiple executive branch agencies whose responsibilities include whistleblower protection, but none were willing or able to advocate on our behalf. In spite of our case being open for over seven years, the senator and his staff met with us on multiple occasions and have never stopped pushing for justice and accountability,” Customs and Border Protection (CBP) whistleblower Fred Wynn said.
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