Edolphus Towns: “As Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I rise in strong support of S. 372, the Whistleblower…”

“As Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I rise in strong support of S. 372, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2010. I want to congratulate Senator Akaka and the other Senate sponsors of S. 372 for their efforts. I commend the persistence they have demonstrated in championing this good government bill. I'm proud to be an original co-sponsor of H.R. 1507, the bipartisan companion bill to S. 372. H.R. 1507 was introduced by Representative Van Hollen last year. I want to thank Mr. Van Hollen and all the co-sponsors of H.R. 1507, including Mr. Platts of Pennsylvania. They have demonstrated exceptional leadership in support of government whistleblowers. This legislation is long overdue. Different versions of this legislation have been introduced in every Congress for the last 12 years. The Oversight Committee has long-recognized that enhancing whistleblower protections will help the Congress to fulfill its role in bringing about more honest, accountable, and effective government for the American people. Federal employees are often the first to witness abuses or misconduct that presents a risk to the taxpayers. Providing strong protections for those who disclose misconduct helps to promote a more accountable and transparent federal bureaucracy. This legislation provides a means of securing justice to those individuals who are punished for doing the right thing.”