-
America's first Whistleblowers protection law
Sailors of the U.S. Navy wrote letters disclosing the misconduct of their commander. The two sailors asked for the help of congress after facing retaliation by the commander. July of 1778, the Continental Congress passed the first protection law.
PHOTO: https://www.whistleblowers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1777-firstwhistleblowerletter.pdf
https://www.whistleblowers.org/news/the-whistleblowers-of-1777-the-origins-of-national-whistleblower-day/ -
False Claims Act
During the civil war, scams and fraud were happening to both sides of the war as they were sold defective guns and spoiled rations. In march of 1863, congress passed the false claims act allowing for "relators" (those who were sold the items) to sue the contractors on behalf of the United States if they had knowledge of the scam. https://www.whistleblowersinternational.com/what-is-whistleblowing/history/ -
Federal Water Pollution Control Act
Protects employees who report violations of water pollution laws, also know as the Clean Water Act. https://www.whistleblowers.gov/sites/wb/files/2019-12/WB-Statute-Summary-Chart-10.8-Final.pdf -
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
This act provides protection for employees who report violations for Asbestos in schools.
https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/ahera -
Whistleblowers Protection Act of 1989
This law was passed to protect federal employees who disclose abuse, waste, or fraud. https://www.history.com/news/whistleblowers-law-founding-fathers -
National Transit Systems Security Act (NTSSA)
Protected employees of public transportation agencies that file complaints about workplace safety or health conditions. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA-factsheet-whistleblower-trans-agencies.pdf -
Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA)
Congress passed WPEA to strengthen protection for federal employees that work in intelligence/security clearance positions who report fraud, waste, or abuse.
https://www.cpsc.gov/About-CPSC/Inspector-General/Whistleblower-Protection-Act-WPA
