New Whistleblower Protections Sought

A bill (HR-985) cleared by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee would extend whistleblower protections to employees who currently lack such protections including those in national security positions, certain law enforcement officers, Transportation Security Administration screeners and science-oriented agencies. In most cases, the affected employees are under special personnel laws. The measure also clarifies that whistleblowing disclosures are protected from reprisal “without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure” and include formal or informal communication. The measure also would make it easier for whistleblowers to rebut the assumption that an official was acting within the scope of his duties and allow whistleblowers access to federal district courts if MSPB does not take action on their claims within 180 days. TSA screeners also would gain whistleblower protections under separate bills passed by the House and pending a Senate vote to carry out certain recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.