Bill > S874

This bill, titled the Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025, aims to strengthen protections against retaliation for individuals who report wrongdoing related to federal contracts and grants, particularly for those working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It expands the definition of a "protected individual" to include not only direct contractors, subcontractors, grantees, and subgrantees but also their employees, former employees, and individuals performing personal services under contract with the DoD or NASA, encompassing various levels of government and intelligence community elements. The bill clarifies that protected individuals can report gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, violations of laws or regulations related to contracts or grants, and substantial dangers to public health or safety. Crucially, it explicitly states that these protections, including the right to report and the remedies available, cannot be waived through any agreement, policy, or condition of employment, including pre-dispute arbitration agreements, ensuring that whistleblowers cannot be forced to give up their rights before any issue arises. Furthermore, the bill allows for disciplinary action against federal officials who request contractors to engage in retaliatory actions against whistleblowers.