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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ACT OF 1989
______
HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS
of maryland
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, thirty years ago today, on April 10,
1989, one of the most critically important federal ethics laws in our
history, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA), was enacted. As we
mark the anniversary of the WPA, I would like to give special
recognition to this federal statute that has empowered Congressional
oversight and assisted our work over the years.
The WPA protects whistleblowers who work for the federal government
from retaliation for reporting activity constituting a violation of
law, rules, or regulations, or mismanagement, fraud, waste, and abuse,
or substantial danger to public health and safety. A federal agency
violates the WPA if it takes or threatens to take a retaliatory
personnel action against an employee who makes a protected disclosure.
On this 30th anniversary of the WPA, we honor the contributions of
the brave men and women who report wrongdoing despite great risks to
their careers and personal lives as a result of retaliation.
Without the WPA, very few whistleblowers would be willing to come
forward. Congress relies on the WPA to fulfill its Constitutional duty
to provide checks and balances on the Executive Branch--the very root
of our democracy. This past February, my Committee issued an interim
staff report raising serious concerns about White House efforts to rush
the transfer of highly sensitive U.S. nuclear technology to Saudi
Arabia in potential violation of the Atomic Energy Act and without
Congressional review as required by law. The Committee's investigation
was based on information that we received from multiple whistleblowers.
We also rely on the WPA to help safeguard our national security.
Recently, a whistleblower working inside the White House Security
Office was interviewed by the Committee about the dysfunctions in the
White House that presented dangers to national security. This
whistleblower ``informed the Committee that during the Trump
Administration, she and other career officials adjudicated denials of
dozens of applications for security clearances that were later
overturned.'' She explained the reason she came forward, stating: ``I
would not be doing a service to myself, my country, or my children if I
sat back knowing that the issues that we have could impact national
security.''
My Committee would not have been able to conduct these oversight
investigations without these whistleblowers, and these whistleblowers
would not have come forward if they did not have the protections of the
WPA.
We have made significant progress in protecting public servants who
shine a light on corruption in the federal government, but we are not
satisfied with the status quo. Congress must continue to ensure that
agencies are following the existing law and also identify ways to
improve the law to better serve the needs of our country.
____________________
