Whistleblower Protection Enhancement and Reform

Presented By The Signaling Center of Omaha

This Movement Is Currently
In The Fundraising Stage.

Whistleblowers serve a critical function, exposing wrongdoing, protecting public safety, and preventing fraud—yet face overwhelming personal and professional risks when speaking truth to power:
•62% of whistleblowers report experiencing professional retaliation
•64% lose their jobs or are forced to resign after reporting
•Complex patchwork of over 60 federal whistleblower laws creates confusion
America depends on brave individuals speaking up about wrongdoing, yet our current system frequently destroys the lives of those who take this stand for the public interest.

My Personal Journey
I never expected to become a whistleblower. As a 15-year pharmaceutical researcher, I discovered falsified safety data on a medication taken by millions. After exhausting internal reporting channels without action, I approached regulators. Within months, I was terminated for “performance issues” despite perfect evaluations. The next three years brought legal battles, financial ruin, industry blacklisting, and depression. Although the drug was eventually recalled—saving countless lives—my career remains shattered years later. My experience is common, and I’ve realized we need comprehensive reform ensuring whistleblowers receive meaningful protection when serving the public interest.

Our Protection Framework
Our proposed legislation would establish consistent, robust protections through five interconnected components:

1. Universal Protection Standards
   •Uniform whistleblower rights across public and private sectors
   •Consistent legal standards simplifying compliance and enforcement
   •Extension of protections to contractors, subcontractors, and gig workers

    

2. Enhanced Anti-Retaliation Measures
   •Strengthened burden of proof standards for whistleblowers
   •Job restoration with front pay alternatives when appropriate
   •Protection from blacklisting and industry exclusion

    

3. Confidentiality and Identity Protection
   •Strong confidentiality guarantees throughout investigation processes
   •Technological security requirements for whistleblower information
   •Confidential reporting option accessibility standards

4. National Security Frameworks
   •Protected internal channels for classified information concerns
   •Reformed Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act
   •Security clearance protection during disclosure processes

    

5. Support Structures
   •Whistleblower ombudsman offices in major federal agencies
   •Technical assistance programs for corporate compliance systems
   •Regular congressional reporting on whistleblower case outcomes 

Strategic Implementation Approaches
The legislation would phase in requirements over a 24-month period, beginning with federal workforce protections before extending to contractors and regulated industries. Implementation would emphasize:
•Proactive compliance assistance before enforcement
•Model policies and procedures for adoption across sectors
•Specialized training for adjudicators and investigators
•Confidential implementation hotlines for questions and guidance

Our coalition includes whistleblower advocacy organizations, government accountability groups, corporate ethics officers, labor organizations, and individual whistleblowers seeking a system that protects those who protect the public interest.

Your support will help create meaningful protections for truth-tellers whose courageous actions save lives, prevent fraud, expose corruption, and protect our shared resources and values.