The United States Senate declared July 30, 2013 as “National Whistleblower Appreciation Day” in an effort to support and commend the actions of individuals refused to accept fraud, misconduct and other wrongdoing. According to National Whistleblowers Center, a non-profit organization, the decision to establish “National Whistleblower Appreciation Day” was a unanimous one made by the Senate on July 31, 2013.
“The Senate’s establishment of ‘National Whistleblower Appreciation Day’ is a historic first step in changing the hostile workplace culture that had made it so difficult on American’s fulfill the ‘duty’ recognized by our Founding Fathers, to blow the whistle in the public interest.” said NWC Executive Director Stephen M. Kohn in a statement issued on the NWC website.
In addition to founding the “National Whistleblower Appreciation Day” the resolution achieves several other goals as well, according to NWC. Through this resolution, the Senate sees that the Federal government “implements the intent of the Founding Fathers…by encouraging each executive agency to recognize ‘National Whistleblower Appreciation Day’” NWC stated. This can be done by informing employees and contractors working on behalf of US taxpayers that legal citizens have the right to blow the whistle when they have knowledge of misconduct. The day helps recognize that whistleblowers have a crucial role in fighting waste, fraud, abuse and violations of regulations and laws.
“In honor of ‘National Whistleblower Appreciation Day’ we urge all Americans to reflect on these past sacrifices and accomplishments and show support for the whistleblower today who are fighting to defend their reputations, their jobs and their freedom after exposing lies at the highest levels of government and frauds that have robbed tax-payers and investors of countless billions.” Kohn stated.
Individuals can file a lawsuit on behalf of the government when they have knowledge of wrongdoing such as fraud or waste of taxpayer money. If the case is successful, then the whistleblower is entitled to a portion of the funds recovered by the government. The law also protects whistleblowers against retaliatory action, such being fired, demoted or transferred punitively.
