Chuck Grassley: “I announced today the kickoff of whistleblower week in Washington. This week, and the events surrounding it, are…”

“I announced today the kickoff of whistleblower week in Washington. This week, and the events surrounding it, are designed to promote, to celebrate, and to educate Congress and the public about the courage and the patriotism of our whistleblowers. These individuals often risk their careers to expose fraud, waste, and abuse in an effort to protect not only the health and safety of the American people but also the Federal Treasury and taxpayer dollars. This week's events promoting and celebrating whistleblowers are important for all Members of Congress and for the public as well. By highlighting what whistleblowers do, we provide insight into what it means to be a whistleblower and the important role they play in Government and society. For over two decades, I have learned from, appreciated, and honored whistleblowers. Congress needs to make a special note of the role that whistleblowers play in helping us to fulfill our constitutional duty of conducting oversight of the executive branch of Government or what we learn in high school government classes called checks and balances. As a Senator, I have conducted extensive oversight into virtually all aspects of the Federal bureaucracy. Despite the differences in cases from agency to agency and from department to department, one constant remains: the need for information and the need for insight from whistleblowers.”