Bill > S874

This bill expands whistleblower protections for contractors working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies by modifying existing laws to provide broader safeguards against retaliation. The legislation introduces a new definition of "protected individual" that includes contractors, subcontractors, grantees, their employees, and those performing personal services for the government, covering a wide range of entities from state governments to intelligence community elements. The bill protects these individuals from being discharged, demoted, or discriminated against for refusing to obey orders that would violate laws or regulations, or for disclosing information about gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or violations of law, particularly when such disclosures reveal substantial dangers to public health or safety. Importantly, the bill prohibits executive branch officials from requesting reprisals against whistleblowers and allows for disciplinary action against officials who do so. The legislation also explicitly prevents any public or private agreement, including predispute arbitration agreements, from waiving the rights and remedies provided to protected individuals, thereby ensuring robust protection for those who report potential misconduct in government contracting.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/874/all-info