President Obama signed legislation this week giving greater protection to federal employees who expose fraud and waste in government. The new law closes loopholes created by court rulings that diluted protection for whistle-blowers, and clarifies their right to communicate directly with Congress. It also makes it easier for the Office of Special Counsel, the government’s whistle-blower protection agency, to punish those who would retaliate against employees. The law “reflects a consensus ranging from President Obama to Rep. Darrell Issa,” said Tom Devine of the nonpartisan Government Accountability Project. “The truth is the public’s business.”
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