Today is our last of seven days of action with the NWC to start the new year. Action 7 of 2024 is to recognize National Whistleblower Day. As many of you know, each year, the National Whistleblower Center holds a celebration for National Whistleblower Day. Congress recognizes the day each year. Yet, neither Congress nor the White House has taken action to permanently recognize July 30 as National Whistleblower Day.
On July 30th, 1778, the Founding Fathers instituted the first U.S. Whistleblower law to protect the government against fraud. We should celebrate this important part of history. I have long supported whistleblowers. A Marist Poll conducted by Whistleblower Network News demonstrated that the majority of voters in the U.S. also support whistleblowers. They also support increased Whistleblower protections. This bipartisan support for whistleblowers would surely extend to a Federal Day of Observance, like National Whistleblower Day.
Specifically, I am advocating for a mandate that federal agencies educate their employees about their right to blow the whistle. They should also celebrate the contributions whistleblowers have made to their agency and our democracy every year on July 30th.
Executive Order
Action 7 of 2024 urges President Biden to take executive action on behalf of whistleblowers. In doing so, he would be taking a tremendous step forward. This would enhance the federal government’s recognition of whistleblowers.
Urge the President to sign an Executive Order setting forth the following:
(1) July 30th is designated as “National Whistleblower Appreciation Day”; and
(2) The Federal Government shall implement the intent of the Founding Fathers, as reflected in the legislation passed on July 30, 1778 (relating to whistleblowers), by requiring each executive agency to recognize National Whistleblower Appreciation Day 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. They play a vital role in combating waste, fraud, abuse, and violations of laws and regulations of the United States.
Whistleblower Contributions
Action 7 of 2024 recognizes the courageous contributions that whistleblowers have made to rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse. Whistleblowers are credited with bringing in billions of dollars per year to U.S. government coffers. The culture around whistleblowers, though, remains that of being ostracized and retaliated against.
Now more than ever, we need a permanent day of recognition for whistleblowers. This will show our nation’s commitment to truth, anti-corruption, and effective law enforcement. Help us make each July 30th National Whistleblower Day. This will change the culture. We can truly honor the contributions of whistleblowers. We will also foster their courage to speak up about wrongdoing.
Please send this prewritten email template to your officials asking that they recognize National Whistleblower Day. This day is about much more than an event or a holiday. It’s about changing the culture around whistleblowing in federal agencies. Check out more info here.
Recognized by the NWC, Tracie Burke is author of Motion to Quash. M2Q supports the Whistleblower Protection Act. If you would like to support journalism in the public interest, click here to donate. Motion to Quash ISSN 2644-1594 is the copyrighted property of Motion to Quash LLC .
