Restoring Public Trust Through Uap Transparency and Whistleblower Protection

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reers, livelihoods, and reputations. They can face retaliatory inves-
tigations, lawsuits, and even serious criminal charges. And they
can endure deep mental, emotional, and psychological harm, all of
that risk to speak the truth, to ensure that agencies fulfill their
core missions and that they serve the best interests of the people.
Those who retaliate against whistleblowers do not just violate
their legal rights. They inflict real harm on our government and
betray the public’s trust. Targeting whistleblowers instead of the
corruption they expose wastes agency resources and further allows
that corruption to continue unaddressed. It can instill a chilling ef-
fect across an agency, fostering a climate of fear and distrust,
quieting dissent and free speech, and deterring potential whistle-
blowers from coming forward in the future.
Whistleblowers are often some of the most dedicated and prin-
cipled public servants we have because of their willingness to put
themselves on the line to do what is right. And Congress has his-
torically supported them, again, on a bipartisan basis. But unfortu-
nately, whistleblowing has increasingly become more politicized
with support for whistleblowers often hinging on which party is in
power and which party is politically inconvenienced by the mis-
conduct being exposed.
But to be clear, targeting whistleblowers individually risks un-
dermining whistleblowing, period. The Project On Government
Oversight (POGO) advises Members of Congress on both sides of
the aisle to focus on the evidence, not the individual. We will al-
ways need whistleblowers to achieve the government that best
serves its people because when people of conscience, integrity, and
good character refuse to speak up out of fear, complacency, or self-
preservation, and leave corruption to fester behind closed doors,
that is probably the most dangerous risk of all.
If we are serious about increasing government transparency and
restoring the public’s trust, we need public servants committed to
the truth. Whistleblowers need safe and effective channels to make
lawful disclosures. They need stronger protections against retalia-
tion. And when they do face retaliation, they need a fair shot to
be made whole.
Congress has made strides to pass whistleblower legislation, and
these laws need to be updated and expanded so that whistleblowers
truly receive the protections they need, retaliators are held ac-
countable, and we can achieve the type of government the people
deserve. We strongly urge Congress to continue its historic tradi-
tion of championing the rights and protections of all whistle-
blowers.
Thank you again for the opportunity to testify here this morning.
POGO is committed to working with you and the Oversight Com-
mittee to address these critical issues. I look forward to any ques-
tions.
Mrs. LUNA. Thank you, sir, very much.
Additionally, without objection, the following Members are
waived onto the Task Force for the purpose of questioning wit-
nesses at today’s hearing: Representative Perry of Pennsylvania
and Representative Grothman of Wisconsin.
Sorry, what is it? Oh, and Representative Biggs from Arizona. I
already got you, but yes, we are good.