This article details how the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA) – a bill that would have strengthened protections for federal employees – was killed by one senator’s decision to place an anonymous hold on the legislation during the last day of the 2010 congressional session. The WPEA would have helped federal whistleblowers like Robert MacLean – a former federal air marshal who blew the whistle on a cost-cutting plan to remove marshals from long-haul flights – by giving them access to regular courts. You can watch an interview with MacLean here (Note: Interview starts at 14:45).
GAP and On The Media have teamed up to identify the mystery senator who placed the secret hold. GAP’s supporters and On The Media’s listeners are contacting their respective senators’ offices to ask them if they were the party who wrongfully killed the WPEA. So far, 42 senators have confirmed that they did not place the secret hold.
We need your help to continue narrowing it down. However senators may answer, you can report your correspondence to On The Media at blowthewhistle@wnyc.org, and their site will post the information.
Please help us identify the culpable senator!
NOLA.com: Jefferson Parish 'Whistleblower Hotline' Nets Five Arrests
The president of Jefferson Parish (LA) and self-proclaimed “whistleblower hotline” has investigated dozens of anonymous complaints of fraud, leading to the arrests of five people. Those arrested were charged with stealing from parish government in amounts that range from $100 to $125,000.
Washington Post: Michelle Obama, Wal-Mart Partner on Healthy Foods Program
To continue her work fighting childhood obesity, first lady Michelle Obama joined Wal-Mart in its announcement Thursday promoting healthier foods. The company vowed to reduce sodium and added sugars in its private-label processed foods. It also plans to lower prices for fruits and vegetables and other healthful products.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Philadelphia Is a Hotbed for Drug-Industry Whistleblower Lawsuits
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has become one of the leading offices for handling pharmaceutical industry whistleblower claims, recovering $4 billion from drug makers since 2004. The increase in lawsuits is attributed to company improvements to their own internal compliance systems, strengthened protections for whistleblowers under the False Claims Act, and the office’s acquired expertise in drug-industry cases.
Lindsay Bigda is Communications Fellow for the Government Accountability Project, the nation's leading whistleblower advocacy organization.
