SC New York News

Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced the Protect Whistleblowers from Retribution Act to enhance protection for whistleblowers within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Langworthy emphasized the importance of whistleblowers in upholding government integrity, stating, "Whistleblowers are essential to oversight of our government agencies, serving as the watchdogs for integrity and accountability, and their protection is the hallmark of a healthy democracy."

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) praised Langworthy's initiative, highlighting the challenges faced by FBI whistleblowers, stating, "Regrettably, loopholes in existing whistleblower protection laws have allowed FBI senior leadership to retaliate against many of these whistleblowers." Jordan commended the Protect Whistleblowers from Retribution Act for aiming to strengthen safeguards for FBI whistleblowers and halt retaliatory actions by the DOJ and the FBI.

The legislation proposes several key measures to protect whistleblowers, including clarifying investigative authority, establishing reasonable investigation timelines, safeguarding security clearances, granting equal appeal rights, and enhancing transparency in whistleblower retaliation investigations. The bill has garnered support from various lawmakers, including House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan and several other representatives.

Former acting Attorney General of the United States, Matthew Whitaker, praised the legislation as a crucial step in safeguarding democracy and protecting the voices of integrity within the government. Whitaker emphasized the significance of ensuring that speaking truth to power is recognized as essential for transparent and accountable governance.

Tristan Leavitt, President of Empower Oversight, and ACLJ Action also expressed support for the bill, acknowledging its potential to strengthen FBI whistleblower protections and hold the FBI accountable without fear of retaliation.

The Protect Whistleblowers from Retribution Act is seen as a promising initiative to address the challenges faced by FBI whistleblowers and enhance accountability within government agencies. The full text of the legislation is available for review, marking a significant step towards ensuring the protection and empowerment of those who expose wrongdoing within the DOJ and the FBI.