On Tuesday, July 27, the U.S. Senate designated July 30, 2021 as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) submitted S.Res. 324, which was promptly “considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.”
Grassley is one of the founders of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus, and has been a consistent supporter of whistleblowers for his entire career as a legislator. In recent years it has become customary for July 30 to be recognized as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day, although Congress has not yet recognized it as an annual event. This means that the resolution must be submitted and passed each year in order for it to be officially recognized.
The 2021 version of the resolution encouraged all federal agencies to recognize National Whistleblower Appreciation Day by reminding their employees of their explicit rights and protections for blowing the whistle by:
“(A) informing employees, contractors working on behalf of the taxpayers of the United States, and members of the public about the legal right of a United States citizen to “blow the whistle” to the appropriate authority by honest and good faith reporting of misconduct, fraud, misdemeanors, or other crimes; and (B) acknowledging the contributions of whistleblowers to combating waste, fraud, abuse, and violations of laws and regulations of the United States.”
Grassley has already spoken twice during the two days of conferences, panels, and speakers leading up to the official National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. On July 28, he was interviewed by FBI whistleblower and advocate Jane Turner, where he discussed the effect that fighting for whistleblower legislation and rights has had on his personal life. He also delivered a keynote address at the July 29 event.
National Whistleblower Day 2021 is the largest whistleblower event ever. The celebration spans three days from July 28 to July 30, highlighting intriguing whistleblower stories, useful resources, and high-profile speakers.
To see reruns of either of Grassley’s appearances, sign up at National Whistleblower Day 2021 for updates and a link to join the event.
