Sheila Jackson Lee: “I ask my colleagues to support the en bloc, the underlying legislation, and the Jackson Lee amendment. Mr. Chair, I rise…”

“I ask my colleagues to support the en bloc, the underlying legislation, and the Jackson Lee amendment. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act, and thank you for bringing this important legislation to the floor today. I applaud the Committee on Oversight and Reform for this timely and purposeful bill. By strengthening whistleblower protections, H.R. 2988 would enhance the capabilities of the Offices of Inspector General at each government agency to improve government accountability and transparency. Whistleblowers are uniquely positioned to know of actions that derogate from laws, regulations, stated government objectives, and the best interests of the American people. As a matter of public policy, potential whistleblowers should be encouraged to come forth with information that improves our government's operations, efficiency, and effectiveness. To incentivize such noble conduct, whistleblowers must be assured of protection and insulated from retaliation for the accountability they facilitate when an OIG pursues their leads. Indeed, being a whistleblower is an act of patriotism--helping our government serve Americans more responsibly--and those who provide this service should be honored, not vilified. I would also like to thank the Rules Committee for making my amendment in order, and the Committee on Oversight and Reform for including it in the En Bloc amendment.…”