Holding the Government Accountable
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Testimony

The Paul Revere Forum: National Security Whistleblowers Speak;

Organizer Statements

Tom Devine, Legal Director, Government Accountability Project

"We're wasting America's greatest potential resource against terrorism – whistleblowers who need the freedom to warn when bureaucracies are asleep at the wheel. We don't have to cancel the Constitution or spend billions in anti-terrorism pork barrel to start listening to our expert messengers, instead of silencing them. If Paul Revere were trying today to warn that the Redcoats are coming, he'd be shot off the horse by friendly fire from defensive bureaucrats."

Danielle Brian, Executive Director, Project On Government Oversight

"Today the public increasingly recognizes the role that whistleblowers play in protecting our nation. Rather than admit their failings, large institutions always seek to destroy the messenger, no matter how high the stakes. It's in the American public's interest that Congress pass laws now that will protect these modern-day Paul Reveres."

Kris Kolesnik, National Whistleblower Center

"The Enron case has provided a unique opportunity to create whistleblower protections, both in government and in private industry. We urge Congress to seize the moment and pass legislation quickly to protect whistleblowers, especially national security whistleblowers in light of September 11th."