The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is currently conducting a consultation on its proposals to reform its right to information policy, the Public Communications Policy 2011. An submission to the consultation by CLD concludes that, after important advances at the ADB in 2005 and 2011, the current Draft Consultation Paper can only be described as disappointing. There are few innovations over 2011 and, in the most problematical area, namely the regime of exceptions, there are even some rollbacks.

 Senate Unanimously Approves S. 585, Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

WASHINGTON – The Make It Safe Coalition (MISC) Steering Committee praised May 25 Senate action by unanimous consent approving S. 585, the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017. Dr. Kirkpatrick was a whistleblower who challenged excessive prescriptions at the VA Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin and took his own life after being fired.

Whistleblowers’ Role in Promoting Science-Based Public Policy

WASHINGTON – The Government Accountability Project (GAP) invites you to join us for a teach-in at the March for Science on April 22, 2017. The teach-in, entitled ‘Whistleblowers: Speaking Up For Science,’ will help educate attendees about both the role whistleblowers play in protecting the public interest and promoting science-based public policy, and inform science professionals about their legal rights and strategies for disclosing evidence of serious wrongdoing.

Nation’s Leading Whistleblower Organization Upholds Support for Scientific Integrity

Courtesy of United States Senate: Wyden, McCaskill, Markey Ask What the Energy Department Will do to Prevent Future Retaliation Against Whistleblowers like Sandra Black

Contact:Sam Offerdahl (Wyden), 202-224-5039
Giselle Barry (Markey), 202-224-2742
Drew Pusateri (McCaskill), 202-228-4595

Courtesy of The Nation Institute: Annual prizes recognize truth-telling in the public interest

WASHINGTON -- The Nation Institute, Fertel Foundation, and Stewart R. Mott Foundation are delighted to announce the winners of the 2017 Ridenhour Prizes, annual awards given to extraordinary individuals “who persevere in the act of truth-telling that protect the public interest, promote social justice, or illuminate a more just vision of society.” 

H.R. 1364 Threatens Whistleblower Rights under the Whistleblower Protection Act

WASHINGTON – Today, the Government Accountability Project (GAP) sent a letter to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform expressing concern over the threat to whistleblower protections within H.R. 1364, the Official Time Reform Act. In its current form, the bill prohibits union stewards from receiving retirement credits for work that includes collective bargaining or political advocacy.

Spicer’s Statements Against Federal Employees Could Violate Whistleblower Protection Act
 

WASHINGTON – Today, the Government Accountability Project (GAP) and Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) called on the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) to investigate potentially threatening statements made by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer against federal government employees who question President Trump’s Executive Order on immigration.

An Investigation Reveals Concerns for the Treatment of the National Climate 

Assessment under an Administration Skeptical of Climate Science

New Policy Fails to Meet Standards Required for Full US Contribution
 

WASHINGTON - On January 23, 2017, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres signed a strengthened whistleblower protection policy for staff members of the UN Secretariat. The Government Accountability Project (GAP) is encouraged by Mr. Guterres’ expressed commitment to protecting whistleblowers and recognizes the significance of the new measure, adopted before the Secretary General has completed his first month in office.