Chaffetz, Jeffries Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Enhance FBI Whistleblower Protections

Press Release

Today, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) introduced H.R. 5790, the FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, which expands the safeguards for FBI employees who report waste, fraud, and abuse. The legislation also streamlines the process for investigating incidents of retaliation.

"Whistleblowers play an indispensable role in rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse within federal agencies," said Chaffetz. "As the only federal law enforcement employees exempt from the Whistleblower Protection Act, FBI whistleblowers need a process they can count on to protect them. They shouldn't have to worry about losing their jobs for telling the truth. The existing process simply doesn't work."

"We must protect federal employees who have the courage to speak out about misconduct and waste in our government. The FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act is a critical tool that can be used to shield these brave individuals from unwarranted retaliation. Chairman Chaffetz and all involved should be commended for their work in this regard," said Jeffries.

Original cosponsors of this legislation include Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), and Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD). H.R. 5790 is a companion bill to S. 2390, which is sponsored by Sen. Leahy (D-VT) and Sen. Grassley (R-IA) and was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this year.

WHAT THE BILL DOES:

* Protects whistleblowers who make disclosures within their chain of command.

* Facilitates the identification of retaliation against whistleblowers.

* Gives the DOJ Office of the Inspector General sole authority to investigate claims of retaliation.

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