Bill extends whistleblower protection to federal employees
Washington – The Whistleblower Protection Act, last revised in 1994, will soon provide more protection for federal employees, following congressional approval of a bill amending the law.
The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (S. 743), which was passed by the Senate Nov. 13 and the House in September, strengthens the original act by extending protection to Transportation Security Administration employees; clarifying the protection of disclosing waste, mismanagement, fraud, abuse or illegal activity; and establishing whistleblower protection officials to educate personnel in federal agencies about whistleblower rights.
“Congress has consistently supported the principle that federal employees should not be subject to prior restraint or punishment from disclosing wrongdoing. This should give federal workers the peace of mind that if they speak out, they will be protected,” Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), co-sponsor of the bill, said in a press release.
President Barack Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.
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