Ernst, Peters Join Whistleblower Caucus
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus, now approaching its second year, is adding two new members: Senators Joni Ernst of Iowa and Gary Peters of Michigan. The bipartisan caucus focuses on raising awareness of the important role whistleblowers play in bringing about accountability in government and the workplace, and the need to protect them from retaliation when they disclose fraud or misconduct. The caucus was launched last year by Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Vice-Chairman Ron Wyden of Oregon.
“Whistleblowers are essential to bringing about transparency and accountability in government and the private sector, but all too often they are punished for simply telling the truth. We need all the help we can get to spread the word that they do important work and need to be shielded from retribution. I’m grateful that senators Joni Ernst and Gary Peters will be joining us in this effort,” Grassley said.
“Ensuring whistleblowers can report government waste and wrongdoing without being fired or retaliated against is absolutely fundamental to good government. The Whistleblower Protection Caucus is proof that it isn’t a partisan issue either. I’m pleased to welcome Sens. Ernst and Peters as our newest members,” Wyden said.
“Whistleblowers who have the fortitude to expose waste, fraud, abuse, and misconduct in our government deserve appropriate protection from retaliation. I am proud to join the bipartisan Whistleblower Protection Caucus led by my colleague from Iowa, Senator Chuck Grassley as well as Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon, to work to raise awareness and enact needed reforms and improvements to shield whistleblowers,” Ernst said.
“Whistleblowers play a critical role in bringing critical issues to light and holding government and private entities accountable. As a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I’m focused on finding ways to make sure government is working efficiently and effectively for taxpayers. I’m proud to join this bipartisan caucus to help enhance protections for whistleblowers who can help improve transparency, ensure agencies are operating effectively and make government work better for the American people,” Peters said.
Ernst and Peters join caucus Chairman Chuck Grassley and Vice-Chairman Ron Wyden and senators Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Barbara Boxer of California, Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, Ed Markey of Massachusetts John Boozman of Arkansas and Tom Carper of Delaware.
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