Bill > HR5578

This bill, known as the "Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025", aims to strengthen legal protections for whistleblowers who are contractors working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. The bill expands the definition of a "protected individual" to include contractors, subcontractors, grantees, and their employees, as well as those providing personal services, across various levels of government and intelligence agencies. It provides robust protections against retaliation for individuals who refuse to follow orders that would violate laws or regulations, or who disclose information about gross mismanagement, waste, abuse of authority, or substantial dangers to public health and safety. Importantly, the bill prohibits executive branch officials from requesting reprisals against such individuals and allows for disciplinary action against officials who do so. The legislation also ensures that these protections cannot be waived through employment agreements, policies, or arbitration contracts, thereby giving contractors more comprehensive legal safeguards when reporting potential wrongdoing in federal contracts and grants.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5578/all-info