Senate Designates July 30 as National Whistleblower Day
On July 13, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution designating July 30, 2023 as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. The resolution encourages every federal agency to inform its employees of their whistleblower rights and “acknowledge the contributions of whistleblowers to combating waste, fraud, abuse, and violations of laws and regulations of the United States.”
The 2023 National Whistleblower Day resolution was introduced by a group of over twenty senators led by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), co-chairs of the Senate Whistleblower Protection Caucus.
The date of July 30 marks the anniversary of America’s first whistleblower law. In 1778, after sailors and marines faced retaliation for blowing the whistle on the commander of the Continental Navy, the Continental Congress passed a law in support of whistleblowing. The history of this law was uncovered by leading whistleblower attorney and author Stephen M. Kohn of Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto.
“National Whistleblower Day acknowledges the tremendous contributions made by persons willing to risk their jobs and reputations to serve the public interest,” said Kohn, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of the National Whistleblower Center. “History was made when the Founders of the United States passed America’s first whistleblower law on July 30, 1778. Today’s leaders must act in this tradition and pass urgently needed whistleblower reforms.”
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a National Whistleblower Day resolution each year since 2013. In March, a group of whistleblowers, with support from KKC, launched a campaign calling on President Biden to permanently designate July 30 as National Whistleblower Day.
“Celebrating National Whistleblower Day helps change the culture that permits whistleblowers to be disrespected, fired and shunned,” added Kohn, whose latest book Rules for Whistleblowers was published in June. “The Senate has set the table – respect and honor the contributions whistleblowers have made since the founding of the Republic. It’s time for the White House to join in.”
More information on the campaign to make National Whistleblower Day permanent.
