Kirk Joins Bipartisan Introduction Of Whistleblower Appreciation Day Resolution

Press Release

U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) introduced a resolution to designate July, 30, 2016, as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day along with the members of the bipartisan Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus. The resolution recognizes the role whistleblowers play in shining a light on fraud, waste and abuse in government. The resolution encourages federal agencies to acknowledge employees who call attention to fraud waste and abuse and remind employees of their legal rights as whistleblowers.

"Protecting our protectors is crucial in exposing wrongdoings in government, especially at the VA," said Senator Kirk. "Whistleblowers have proved vital in uncovering corruption and poor quality of veterans care at the VA hospitals in Illinois and across the country. They should be rewarded for their bravery and protected from retaliation."

"Workers who come forward to report fraud or misconduct in their agencies are frequently punished by their superiors for simply telling the truth," said Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus. "These brave citizens should not be penalized, they should be praised. They save taxpayers billions of dollars each year, and they help to bring about a government more accountable to the people. Long ago, our founders recognized that government needs honest and proactive employees to help ensure that it functions properly and efficiently. Our resolution reaffirms this idea and celebrates whistleblowers for their contributions to transparent and accountable government."

The resolution, which is cosponsored by all 14 members of the caucus, highlights the United States' history of supporting whistleblowers. Legislation passed by the Continental Congress on July 30, 1778, stated that government employees have a duty to report misconduct, fraud and other crimes in government to the appropriate authorities in a timely manner. Similar public policies remain in place today, yet whistleblowers are frequent targets of retaliation from within their own agencies.

The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.).

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