Washington, D.C. February 25, 2015. Today Senator Charles Grassley announced the official formation of a Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus during a press conference held in the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing Room.  The founding members of the caucus are Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) (chairman), Ron Wyden (D-OR) (vice-chairman), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE) Thom Tillis (R-NC), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Ed Markey (D-MA).

“This is an example of bipartisanship which will make our system work,” said Stephen M. Kohn, Executive Director of the National Whistleblower Center. “Beyond the name calling that is pervasive in today’s politics, it is a breath of fresh air to see highly respected senators from both parties recognizing the importance of whistleblowers and the need to protect them from retaliation,” Kohn continued.

Today, the National Whistleblower Center released the report “Utilizing Whistleblowers in the Fight Against Waste, Fraud and Abuse” for use by Members of Congress in considering how to strengthen whistleblower protections. This report sets forth the central role whistleblowers play in protecting our nation from fraud.

“The National Whistleblower Center looks forward to working with the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus to ensure all whistleblowers obtain meaningful protection,” Kohn added.