Bill Protecting Contractors Who Blow Whistle on Waste, Fraud and Abuse Passes Senate Homeland Security Committee

Statement of Angela Canterbury, Director of Public Policy, Project On Government Oversight:

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee passed a bill out of committee this morning that provides critical protections for federal contractors who report waste, mismanagement and illegal acts.

In these tough economic times, whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing corporate misconduct and saving taxpayer dollars. The Non-Federal Employee Whistleblower Protection Act (S. 241), which was introduced this year by Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo,), would ensure that those who speak out about wrongdoing will be protected from retaliation.

These contractors are on the front lines and often put themselves at great personal risk to protect the public and expose waste. This new act would bridge the gaps in current coverage, and comprehensively apply protections to all federal funds recipient whistleblowers.

We applaud Sen. McCaskill, co-sponsors James Webb (D-Va.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and fellow members of the committee. Now, we urge the full Senate to move quickly to pass this important legislation.

To read POGO’s testimony on the bill.

To read POGO’s letter to the committee.