Enhanced Whistleblower Engagement Act

Enhanced Whistleblower Engagement Act

This bill modifies requirements with respect to whistleblower protections for employees of an office of inspector general (OIG).

The bill specifies that the whistleblower protection coordinator in each OIG shall educate that office's employees on specified matters, including prohibitions against retaliation for protected disclosures and rights and remedies against such retaliation.

The bill also specifies that best practices developed by the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency shall include best practices for the handling and consideration of protected disclosures and allegations of reprisal that are internal to an OIG.

Bill 117 HR 3338, also known as the Enhanced Whistleblower Engagement Act, aims to strengthen protections and support for whistleblowers who report wrongdoing within the federal government. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 25, 2021, by Representative Jackie Speier.

The main provisions of the bill include:

1. Establishing a Whistleblower Ombudsman within each federal agency to provide guidance and support to whistleblowers throughout the reporting process. 2. Requiring agencies to develop and implement policies to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, including providing training to employees on whistleblower rights and protections. 3. Enhancing communication between whistleblowers and agency officials by requiring agencies to provide regular updates on the status of whistleblower complaints and investigations. 4. Strengthening the ability of whistleblowers to report wrongdoing anonymously and confidentially, while also ensuring that they have access to legal counsel and other support services. 5. Providing additional resources and support to whistleblowers who face retaliation, including access to counseling and other assistance. Overall, the Enhanced Whistleblower Engagement Act seeks to empower and protect whistleblowers who come forward to report misconduct within the federal government. By establishing clear guidelines and support mechanisms, the bill aims to encourage more individuals to speak out against wrongdoing and hold government officials accountable for their actions.