Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act of 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text: CR S5179-5180; Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S5179)
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jul 29, 2021
Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act of 2021
This bill creates certain administrative and judicial remedies for federal employees whose right to provide information to Congress is interfered with or denied.
Under current law, federal employees have the right to petition or furnish information to Congress or to individual Members of Congress, and this right may not be interfered with or denied. The bill explicitly allows employees who are aggrieved by a violation of this right to seek administrative remedies that are currently available to whistleblowers who are fired or experience other forms of retaliation. The bill also establishes a private right of action for aggrieved employees, including the option of a jury trial, if an administrative remedy is not issued within 210 days of a complaint being made.
The bill applies to employees and contractors of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, including members of the intelligence community.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text: CR S5179-5180; Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S5179)
Introduced in Senate
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Bill text & related measures
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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