Republican Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa, a longtime champion of whistleblower rights, recently authored a resolution proclaiming July 30, 2013 as “National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.” GAP would like to thank Sen. Grassley for this resolution – which passed the Senate – and for his persistent efforts over the past decades to honor truth-tellers across federal agencies and private industries. These whistleblowers are essential to a functional democracy.
GAP Executive Director Bea Edwards released the following statement about the resolution’s passage:
GAP is encouraged to note that the Senate declared July 30 as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. We want to thank our friends in the Senate for this high honor and for the work they’ve done in a tough political climate to protect and recognize the courage of those who speak out about waste, fraud and abuse in both the public and private sectors. Clearly, more remains to be done – many have been sheltered from retaliation, but many are still exposed – and we look forward to continued close cooperation with all who support whistleblowers and recognize their contributions to this country.
Dylan Blaylock is Communications Director for the Government Accountability Project, the nation’s leading whistleblower protection and advocacy organization.