In the election season there seems to be little that we can find common agreement across the political divide. However, there is one issue that finds Americans united – support for whistleblowers and protecting whistleblowers.
A recent Marist poll conducted on behalf of the Whistleblower News Network shows overwhelming support for whistleblowers – and legislation to protect whistleblowers:
- 86% stating that there should be stronger legal protections to protect whistleblowers who are federal employees and who report fraud in government programs; and,
- 82% stating that passing stronger laws to protect employees who report corporate fraud should be a priority for congress (29% saying an ‘immediate priority’ and 53% ‘a priority but not an immediate one’).
Particularly of interest to those running for office – the poll found that
- 44% stated that they would be more likely to vote for candidates who support stronger protections for corporate whistleblowers.
The poll shows how much the public’s outlook has changed as to whistleblowers. My old boss Senator Grassley (R-IA) – the patron saint of whistleblowers – often talks about whistleblowers being the ‘skunk at the picnic.’ While whistleblowers may not be popular with their bosses – they are clearly now popular with the American public. Good news.
There is certainly much that Congress can do to strengthen the whistleblower laws – and encourage whistleblowers to come forward. These include the Whistleblower Program Improvements Act (WIPA) sponsored by Senator Grassley as well as Senators Baldwin (D-WI); Ernst (R-IA) and Durbin (D-IL) that would clarify and strengthen the whistleblower programs for the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
The National Whistleblower Center (NWC) has also called for Congress to enact reforms that will improve the tax whistleblower program – critical for going after big-time tax cheats. In addition, Congress should make a priority of passing the Wildlife Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Act – introduced by Congressman Don Young (R-AK) and Congressman Garamendi (D-CA).
There is much good work that Congress can do to support and encourage whistleblowers to come forward – and they can look to the applause of the American people. Nothing but love.