Whistleblowers
Updated
VA whistleblowers honored for uncovering mismanagement of veterans’ personal information
Despite receiving OSC’s Public Servant award, the whistleblowers disagreed with investigators’ conclusions that they could not substantiate all of their accusations regarding the department’s alleged inappropriate use of personally identifiable information.
OSC praises case resolutions involving alleged retaliation against federal employees
The findings come as the Merit Systems Protection Board makes a change to how it handles OSC petitions.
MSPB to update rules to make operations smoother without a quorum
An interim final rule slated for publication next week updates the Merit Systems Protection Board’s procedures to allow the agency to take more actions without a full slate of political appointees.
D.C. lawmaker reintroduces measure to grant whistleblower, OSHA protections to congressional workers
The Congress Leads by Example Act would afford employees of the legislative branch whistleblower and OSHA retaliation protections, along with parental bereavement leave benefits.
Transparency and urgency are needed to deter agency misconduct and protect federal workers
COMMENTARY | The head of the Office of Special Counsel, the agency that investigates allegations of government misconduct, has a proposal.
PEER sues to force OPM to implement administrative leave reforms
Though Congress enacted a law aimed at ending agencies’ abuse of involuntary administrative leave, the federal government’s dedicated HR agency has yet to implement its key provisions.
Federal whistleblowers are entitled to damages for missed future pay, court rules
Employees can receive compensatory payments if their firings caused harm that prevented future earnings.
Court rules for DHS employees alleging their division was disbanded in retaliation to their whistleblowing
The decision sets a new precedent for federal employees that denied promotions -- even if never fully promised -- can amount to retaliation.
House committee chair applauds suspension of three top VA cops amid harassment allegations
House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost, R-Ill., said in a statement that whistleblowers at the Atlanta VA Medical Center informed the committee of claims of sexual harassment, retaliation and misconduct within the center’s police department.
Federal appeals board could soon reshape what it means to be a whistleblower
MSPB has asked outside parties to weigh in on a case for the first time in nearly a decade.
An inspector general warned the Justice Department of gaps in its security clearance appeals process
The department and its component agencies have failed to implement a provision of the 2014 Intelligence Authorization Act guaranteeing federal employees of the right to appeal lengthy security clearance suspensions.
Biden to replace embattled acting Commerce IG
Jill Baisinger, current chief of staff in the Interior Department’s Office of the Inspector General, will take over for Roderick Anderson at the end of May.
Updated
Group says CBP official drank while carrying firearm, retaliated against whistleblower
The Government Accountability Project sent a letter Wednesday to multiple congressional committees, the Homeland Security Department and others alleging a senior official consumed alcohol while in possession of an agency-issued firearm.
Special Counsel’s office cites whistleblower protections in immigration judge gag order
The Office of the Special Counsel highlighted its recent enforcement actions of Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act provisions to curb agency efforts to chill employee speech.
Updated
House committee leaders want Biden to oust the acting Commerce IG
Lawmakers on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee said the current acting inspector general is “entangled” in the allegations that led to his predecessor’s ouster, adding that they lack confidence in “any” senior staffers to lead the watchdog office.
Bill enhancing contractor whistleblower protections advances to the Senate
The bipartisan proposal would close loopholes that have left federal contractors vulnerable to retaliation.
Key federal workforce agencies get confirmed leaders
Biden finally has confirmed heads at the primary civil service enforcement agencies.
Senate finance chair calls for inspector general’s ouster
Sen. Ron Wyden on Thursday urged President Biden to remove Social Security Administration Inspector General Gail Ennis after a series of controversies and allegations of whistleblower retaliation.
Senate takes first steps to refill federal workforce watchdog roles
At the civil service appeals agency, parts of the workforce are voicing frustration with current leadership.
Administration officials defend maligned whistleblower protection office, though lawmakers still want changes
A VA office meant to protect employees is fundamentally flawed, lawmakers and advocates say.
