Public Citizen: Urge Congress to protect government whistleblowers

Public Citizen: Urge Congress to protect government whistleblowers

By Public Citizen
May 1, 2008

Most government employees are ordinary people. They go to work day in and day out. They didn't set out to be heroes. But some - when confronted with waste, fraud, recklessness about safety, or other abuses - make the extraordinary decision to risk their livelihoods to protect the public.

The government is supposed to serve the best interest of the public. But this is not always the case. Too often, corners are cut or resources are wasted - or worse, government agencies are co-opted for political fights or private interests. When scientific research is altered or suppressed, when government contractors waste millions of taxpayer dollars, or when national security documents are falsified, the innocent government employees who witness these acts should be free to blow the whistle on others without fear of retribution.

We are close to ending retaliation against those who speak up against abuses - and the unmistakable, chilling message that reprisals against whistleblowers sends to all employees that they should keep quiet, or else.

Last year, strong whistleblower protection bills were passed in both houses of Congress. Now it's time for Congress to finish the job by passing a final bill.

This week, whistleblowers from across the country are convening in Washington, D.C. to demand better protection for all of the brave individuals who risk so much in serving the public good. Show your support for honesty and accountability.

Take Action: Demand that Congress waste no more time in enacting strong protections for federal whistleblowers.

Thank you,

Daniel De Bonis
action@citizen.org