POGO Hails Senate for Unanimous Passage of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, Urges House to Act Quickly

Today, after a decade-long struggle to strengthen whistleblower protections for federal employees, the Senate passed the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2010 (S. 372) by unanimous consent. The bill reflects a true compromise between the House and Senate versions of the legislation.

"It has been a long road, but we are finally nearing the finish line on a much needed tune-up of protections for whistleblowers and taxpayers," said Project On Government Oversight (POGO) Executive Director Danielle Brian. "The bill does not include every reform that POGO has sought, but thanks to the hard work of so many, it represents the best policy possible in this Congress."

The bill restores a solid infrastructure of rights, due process, and remedies. Significantly, it begins a paradigm shift to normal court access for federal whistleblowers, including access to a jury trial for the first time. It also expands rights for intelligence and national security employees, TSA baggage handlers, and federal scientists. Click here for an expanded description of the enhancements in S. 372.

"This bill includes many crucial enhancements to whistleblower protection, but time is running out," said POGO Director of Public Policy Angela Canterbury. "We urge our House champions to act quickly to ensure the bill becomes law before it expires at the end of this Congress, leaving whistleblowers and taxpayers hopelessly in the lurch."

Read the Make It Safe Coalition's statement here.

Founded in 1981, the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that champions good government reforms. POGO's investigations into corruption, misconduct, and conflicts of interest achieve a more effective, accountable, open, and ethical federal government.

via pogo.org

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