PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 114-302.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Dec 16, 2016
Federal Bureau of Investigation Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2016
(Sec. 2) This bill revises a provision with respect to whistle-blower protections for a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) employee or job applicant who discloses wrongdoing to an appropriate official.
It prohibits an FBI employee from taking or failing to take a personnel action (e.g., demotion) with respect to an FBI employee or applicant because of a protected disclosure. A protected disclosure is a disclosure of information to an appropriate official which an employee or applicant reasonably believes evidences: (1) a violation of a law, rule, or regulation; or (2) waste, fraud, or abuse.
Additionally, the bill expands the list of appropriate officials who may receive a protected disclosure to include, among others, a supervisor in an employee's direct chain of command.
People & committees
Rep. Chaffetz, Jason [R-UT-3] · R–UT
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 114-302.
Became Public Law No: 114-302.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S7128-7131)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S7128-7131)
Received in the Senate, read twice.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 0 (Roll no. 616). (text: CR H7312-7313)
House roll call 616 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 404 - 0 (Roll no. 616).(text: CR H7312-7313)
House roll call 616 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7326)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5790.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7312-7313)
Mr. Chaffetz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 656.
Reported by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 114-835.
Reported by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 114-835.
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.5790 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.5790 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.5790 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.5790 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.