2012 - Government Accountability Project

On The Media: Whistleblower Rights – Moment of Truth for the Politicians

on September 07, 2012

The following op-ed was written by GAP Legal Director Tom Devine, Liberty Coalition's Michael Ostrolenk, and National Taxpayers Union's Pete Sepp.

In 2011, On the Media and the Government Accountability Project teamed up for a project called "Blow the Whistle," meant to ferret out a Senator that had used a particularly undemocratic device called a "secret hold" to kill an bill that would have protected government whistleblowers. The response was overwhelming, and hundreds of listeners helped us narrow down the Senators that worked together to kill the bill. Since the project ended, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act has been reintroduced in congress, but is now in danger once again of being gutted to remove key provisions. In this guest editorial, a trio of government transparency advocates lay out what's at stake with this latest salvo against the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act.

As the national debt ominously exceeds 100 percent of Gross Domestic Product, policymakers must have reliable information about government waste, fraud, and abuse. Federal employees on the front lines can often be the best source of this information.

Their protection as whistleblowers spotlights a political crossroads between rhetoric and real commitment to change. The good news is that after 13 years Congress is poised to pass the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA), which would deliver lawful free speech rights to government workers who identify and challenge fraud, waste and abuse.

Federal Times: Now More Than Ever, Stronger Whistle-Blower Protection Essential

on May 19, 2012

The following op-ed was written by GAP President Louis Clark and Legal Director Tom Devine.

Most Washingtonians now know the appalling details surrounding the General Services Administration scandal in Las Vegas. But while hundreds of GSA employees attended the October 2010 conference, and more than $820,000 in federal money was misused, only recently has the news emerged.

Which brings up a pressing question: With a scandal of this size, where were the whistle-blowers?

Notably, at least one courageous employee did come forward and work with GSA Inspector General Brian Miller on the investigation. But Miller hit the nail on the head when he explained at an April House committee hearing why so few employees blew the whistle: They would have been “squashed like a bug” for doing so.

While this should be a deplorable revelation, evidence shows that fear about exposing wrongdoing is commonplace because public servants who defend taxpayers routinely become martyrs.

Salt Lake Tribune: Utah's Misguided 'Ag Gag' Bill

on March 04, 2012

The following op-ed was written by GAP Food Integrity Campaign Director Amanda Hitt.

Last week, the Utah House passed legislation outlawing the act of taking undercover video at farms, dairies, and other food production facilities. Now before the Senate, the proposed law is similar to six other states’ draft legislation, known as "ag gag" bills.

This legislation poses a threat to public health. Why? Because all individuals, including workers who witness gross wrongdoing and food safety violations, would be silenced. This bill criminalizes whistleblowers.

Public debate over HB187 has revolved around farm owner rights vs. animal groups’ concerns. The House bill’s sponsor, Rep. John Mathis, R-Vernal, contends that "national propaganda" organizations use undercover video to shut down farm operations.

Cedar Rapids Gazette: Ag Gag Hurts Whistleblowers, Not Just Animals

on February 29, 2012

The following op-ed was written by GAP Food Integrity Campaign Director Amanda Hitt.

Editor's Note: While the Iowa Senate amendment did remove the specific language restricting undercover video, the bill is clearly aimed at holding whistleblowers who use such means to convey the truth legally accountable (More on this here).

Some things people just have to see to believe. Travesties that can take place behind food production facility walls are some of them.

Yesterday, the Iowa Senate passed legislation that illegalizes the act of taking undercover video at farms and similar facilities. Iowa is one of at least six states that currently have pending similar bills, commonly known as "Ag Gag" legislation, which would extend to all individuals – including plant workers who witness gross wrongdoing and threats to public health.

The bill, after being reconciled with the House version, will go to Governor Branstad. He should veto it.