The Democratically-led Congress may be headed for a showdown with the White House over whistleblower protection legislation that easily passed in the House earlier this week.
The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (H.R. 985) is directed at guarding federal employees at security and scientific agencies, as well as contractors. House members passed it by a vote of 331-94; the White House has threatened a veto.
The legislation would allow the Merit Systems Protection Board 180 days to take action on cases alleging retaliation for reporting potential waste, fraud or abuse. If MSPB failed to meet that deadline, whistleblowers would have the option of taking their cases to federal district courts.
The bill, which has yet to be considered in the Senate, also contains provisions to protect whistleblowers' security clearances - essential for national security workers - from being used as leverage to punish or discipline them. The Senate has not yet set a date to consider the bill.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0307/031607j1.htm
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore