Whistleblower Protection: Agencies' Implementation of the Whistleblower Statutes Has Been Mixed
GGD-93-66
Published: Mar 05, 1993. Publicly Released: Mar 25, 1993.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the federal government's processing of whistleblower reprisal complaints and the Office of Special Counsel's (OSC) effectiveness in protecting whistleblowers from reprisal.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| The House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service should amend the whistleblower statutes (5 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.) to require agencies, with OSC guidance, to develop policies and procedures for carrying out the provisions of the whistleblower statutes. |
Closed – Implemented
|
On October 29, 1994, Congress enacted Public Law 103-424 to reauthorize the Office of Special Counsel and to make changes to the whistleblower program, including requiring OSC to issue a policy statement regarding the whistleblower law to each person alleging reprisal and requiring agencies to inform managers that retaliation against whistleblowers is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Special Counsel | The Special Counsel, with agencies' assistance, should assess whether whistleblower protection coverage needs to be extended to those positions currently not covered by the whistleblower statutes and recommend any coverage changes to Congress. |
Closed – Implemented
On October 29, 1994, Congress enacted Public Law 103-424 to reauthorize the Office of Special Counsel and to make changes to the whistleblower program, including expanding the definition of "covered employees" to include government corporations and Veterans Affairs medical employees.
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Ethical conductFederal employeesFederal personnel lawFraudLabor relationsInvestigations by federal agenciesLegal rightsPersonnel managementWhistleblowersGovernment employees