Bill > HR5578

This bill, titled the "Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2026," aims to strengthen protections against retaliation for individuals who report wrongdoing related to federal contracts and grants. It expands the definition of a "protected individual" to include not only employees of contractors but also the contractors themselves, subcontractors, grantees, subgrantees, and individuals performing personal services under contract with the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), or any federal agency. These protected individuals can report issues such as gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, violations of laws or regulations related to contracts, or substantial dangers to public health and safety. The bill explicitly states that these protections, including the right to report and the remedies available, cannot be waived through any agreement, policy, or employment condition, including pre-dispute arbitration agreements. Furthermore, it allows for disciplinary action against federal employees who request contractors to engage in retaliatory actions against whistleblowers.