Legis Daily

Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

USA115th CongressS-585| Senate 
| Updated: 10/26/2017
Ron Johnson

Ron Johnson

Republican Senator

Wisconsin

Cosponsors (1)
Joni Ernst (Republican)

Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 TITLE I--EMPLOYEES GENERALLY (Sec. 102) This bill directs federal agencies (excluding any entity that is an element of the intelligence community) to give priority to an employee transfer request if the Merit Systems Protections Board (MSPB) grants a stay of a personnel action at the request of: (1) the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) if the OSC determines the personnel action was taken, or is to be taken, as a result of a prohibited personnel practice; or (2) the employee if the individual is in probationary status and seeks corrective action. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall report to Congress on retaliation against employees in probationary status. (Sec. 103) The bill prohibits any employee who has the authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve of any personnel action to access the medical records of another employee or applicant for employment. (Sec. 104) Agencies employing a supervisor who has committed a prohibited personnel action may propose: (1) a suspension of not less than three days, (2) a reduction in grade or pay, and (3) removal from the position. A supervisor must receive written notice specifying the reasons for the proposed action and the right of the supervisor to review the material which is relied on to support the reasons for the proposed action. A supervisor is entitled to 14 days following the notice to answer and furnish evidence in support of the answer. (Sec. 105) Agencies must refer information about employee suicides to the OSC indicating whether, prior to the death of the employee, any disclosure of information was made evidencing: (1) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; (2) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial danger to public health or safety; or (3) whether any personnel action was taken against the employee as a result. (Sec. 106) Agencies must provide training on how to respond to complaints alleging a violation of whistle-blower protections to: (1) any employee appointed to a supervisory position in the agency who has not previously served as a supervisor; and (2) on an annual basis, to all employees serving in a supervisory position. (Sec. 107) Agencies must: (1) provide information regarding whistle-blower protections to new employees during probationary periods, (2) inform employees of the role of the OSC and the MSPB with regard to whistle-blower protection, and (3) make information about such protections available on agency websites. TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES (Sec. 201) The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must submit a plan to Congress on efforts to prevent any unauthorized access to the medical records of VA employees. (Sec. 202) The VA must conduct an outreach program to inform its employees of any mental health services, including telemedicine options. (Sec. 203) The VA must ensure protocols are in effect to address threats against VA employees providing health care. (Sec. 204) The GAO shall conduct a study to assess the reporting, staffing, accountability, and chain of command structure of the VA police officers at VA medical centers.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
6 versions available

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Timeline
Mar 8, 2017
Introduced in Senate
Mar 8, 2017
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Mar 15, 2017
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
May 4, 2017
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with amendments. With written report No. 115-44.
May 4, 2017
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 57.
May 25, 2017
Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3190; text as passed Senate: CR S3192-3194)
May 25, 2017
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S3190; text as passed Senate: CR S3192-3194)
May 25, 2017
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
May 26, 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
May 26, 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
May 26, 2017
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
May 26, 2017
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Discharged.
May 26, 2017
Received in the House.
Oct 10, 2017
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 562 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 585 with 1 hour of general debate. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and provides for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.
Oct 11, 2017
Rule H. Res. 562 passed House.
Oct 12, 2017
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 562. (consideration: CR H7998-8004)
Oct 12, 2017
Rule provides for consideration of S. 585 with 1 hour of general debate. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and provides for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.
Oct 12, 2017
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 585.
Oct 12, 2017
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Oct 12, 2017
Mr. O'Halleran moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (text: CR H8003)
Oct 12, 2017
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the O'Halleran motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House forthwith with an amendment to add a new section at the end of title I related to Disclosure of Violations Relating to Air Transportation.
Oct 12, 2017
The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
Oct 12, 2017
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the O'Halleran motion to recommit, the Chair put the question on the motion, and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. O'Halleran demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the motion to recommit until a time to be announced.
Oct 12, 2017
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8010-8012)
Oct 12, 2017
On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 190 - 232 (Roll no. 567).
View Vote
Oct 12, 2017
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 420 - 0 (Roll no. 568). (text: CR H7989)
View Vote
Oct 12, 2017
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Oct 24, 2017
Presented to President.
Oct 26, 2017
Signed by President.
Oct 26, 2017
Became Public Law No: 115-73.
  • March 8, 2017
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 8, 2017
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.


  • March 15, 2017
    Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.


  • May 4, 2017
    Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with amendments. With written report No. 115-44.


  • May 4, 2017
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 57.


  • May 25, 2017
    Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3190; text as passed Senate: CR S3192-3194)


  • May 25, 2017
    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S3190; text as passed Senate: CR S3192-3194)


  • May 25, 2017
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.


  • May 26, 2017
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.


  • May 26, 2017
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.


  • May 26, 2017
    Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • May 26, 2017
    Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Discharged.


  • May 26, 2017
    Received in the House.


  • October 10, 2017
    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 562 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 585 with 1 hour of general debate. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and provides for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.


  • October 11, 2017
    Rule H. Res. 562 passed House.


  • October 12, 2017
    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 562. (consideration: CR H7998-8004)


  • October 12, 2017
    Rule provides for consideration of S. 585 with 1 hour of general debate. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and provides for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.


  • October 12, 2017
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 585.


  • October 12, 2017
    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.


  • October 12, 2017
    Mr. O'Halleran moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (text: CR H8003)


  • October 12, 2017
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the O'Halleran motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House forthwith with an amendment to add a new section at the end of title I related to Disclosure of Violations Relating to Air Transportation.


  • October 12, 2017
    The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.


  • October 12, 2017
    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the O'Halleran motion to recommit, the Chair put the question on the motion, and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. O'Halleran demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the motion to recommit until a time to be announced.


  • October 12, 2017
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8010-8012)


  • October 12, 2017
    On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 190 - 232 (Roll no. 567).
    View Vote


  • October 12, 2017
    On passage Passed by recorded vote: 420 - 0 (Roll no. 568). (text: CR H7989)
    View Vote


  • October 12, 2017
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • October 24, 2017
    Presented to President.


  • October 26, 2017
    Signed by President.


  • October 26, 2017
    Became Public Law No: 115-73.

Government Operations and Politics

Related Bills

  • HR 115-3042: To provide greater whistleblower protections for Federal employees, increased awareness of Federal whistleblower protections, and increased accountability and required discipline for Federal supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers, and for other purposes.
  • HRES 115-562: Providing for consideration of the bill (S. 585) to provide greater whistleblower protections for Federal employees, increased awareness of Federal whistleblower protections, and increased accountability and required discipline for Federal supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers, and for other purposes; providing for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.
Administrative remediesCongressional oversightDepartment of Veterans AffairsEmployee performanceEmployment discrimination and employee rightsFraud offenses and financial crimesGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHealth information and medical recordsIntelligence activities, surveillance, classified informationLaw enforcement officersMental healthMerit Systems Protection BoardOffice of Special CounselVeterans' medical care

Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

USA115th CongressS-585| Senate 
| Updated: 10/26/2017
Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 TITLE I--EMPLOYEES GENERALLY (Sec. 102) This bill directs federal agencies (excluding any entity that is an element of the intelligence community) to give priority to an employee transfer request if the Merit Systems Protections Board (MSPB) grants a stay of a personnel action at the request of: (1) the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) if the OSC determines the personnel action was taken, or is to be taken, as a result of a prohibited personnel practice; or (2) the employee if the individual is in probationary status and seeks corrective action. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall report to Congress on retaliation against employees in probationary status. (Sec. 103) The bill prohibits any employee who has the authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve of any personnel action to access the medical records of another employee or applicant for employment. (Sec. 104) Agencies employing a supervisor who has committed a prohibited personnel action may propose: (1) a suspension of not less than three days, (2) a reduction in grade or pay, and (3) removal from the position. A supervisor must receive written notice specifying the reasons for the proposed action and the right of the supervisor to review the material which is relied on to support the reasons for the proposed action. A supervisor is entitled to 14 days following the notice to answer and furnish evidence in support of the answer. (Sec. 105) Agencies must refer information about employee suicides to the OSC indicating whether, prior to the death of the employee, any disclosure of information was made evidencing: (1) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; (2) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial danger to public health or safety; or (3) whether any personnel action was taken against the employee as a result. (Sec. 106) Agencies must provide training on how to respond to complaints alleging a violation of whistle-blower protections to: (1) any employee appointed to a supervisory position in the agency who has not previously served as a supervisor; and (2) on an annual basis, to all employees serving in a supervisory position. (Sec. 107) Agencies must: (1) provide information regarding whistle-blower protections to new employees during probationary periods, (2) inform employees of the role of the OSC and the MSPB with regard to whistle-blower protection, and (3) make information about such protections available on agency websites. TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES (Sec. 201) The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must submit a plan to Congress on efforts to prevent any unauthorized access to the medical records of VA employees. (Sec. 202) The VA must conduct an outreach program to inform its employees of any mental health services, including telemedicine options. (Sec. 203) The VA must ensure protocols are in effect to address threats against VA employees providing health care. (Sec. 204) The GAO shall conduct a study to assess the reporting, staffing, accountability, and chain of command structure of the VA police officers at VA medical centers.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
6 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Mar 8, 2017
Introduced in Senate
Mar 8, 2017
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Mar 15, 2017
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
May 4, 2017
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with amendments. With written report No. 115-44.
May 4, 2017
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 57.
May 25, 2017
Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3190; text as passed Senate: CR S3192-3194)
May 25, 2017
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S3190; text as passed Senate: CR S3192-3194)
May 25, 2017
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
May 26, 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
May 26, 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
May 26, 2017
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
May 26, 2017
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Discharged.
May 26, 2017
Received in the House.
Oct 10, 2017
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 562 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 585 with 1 hour of general debate. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and provides for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.
Oct 11, 2017
Rule H. Res. 562 passed House.
Oct 12, 2017
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 562. (consideration: CR H7998-8004)
Oct 12, 2017
Rule provides for consideration of S. 585 with 1 hour of general debate. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and provides for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.
Oct 12, 2017
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 585.
Oct 12, 2017
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Oct 12, 2017
Mr. O'Halleran moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (text: CR H8003)
Oct 12, 2017
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the O'Halleran motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House forthwith with an amendment to add a new section at the end of title I related to Disclosure of Violations Relating to Air Transportation.
Oct 12, 2017
The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.
Oct 12, 2017
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the O'Halleran motion to recommit, the Chair put the question on the motion, and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. O'Halleran demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the motion to recommit until a time to be announced.
Oct 12, 2017
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8010-8012)
Oct 12, 2017
On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 190 - 232 (Roll no. 567).
View Vote
Oct 12, 2017
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 420 - 0 (Roll no. 568). (text: CR H7989)
View Vote
Oct 12, 2017
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Oct 24, 2017
Presented to President.
Oct 26, 2017
Signed by President.
Oct 26, 2017
Became Public Law No: 115-73.
  • March 8, 2017
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 8, 2017
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.


  • March 15, 2017
    Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.


  • May 4, 2017
    Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with amendments. With written report No. 115-44.


  • May 4, 2017
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 57.


  • May 25, 2017
    Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3190; text as passed Senate: CR S3192-3194)


  • May 25, 2017
    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S3190; text as passed Senate: CR S3192-3194)


  • May 25, 2017
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.


  • May 26, 2017
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.


  • May 26, 2017
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.


  • May 26, 2017
    Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • May 26, 2017
    Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Discharged.


  • May 26, 2017
    Received in the House.


  • October 10, 2017
    Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 562 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 585 with 1 hour of general debate. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and provides for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.


  • October 11, 2017
    Rule H. Res. 562 passed House.


  • October 12, 2017
    Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 562. (consideration: CR H7998-8004)


  • October 12, 2017
    Rule provides for consideration of S. 585 with 1 hour of general debate. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and provides for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.


  • October 12, 2017
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 585.


  • October 12, 2017
    The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.


  • October 12, 2017
    Mr. O'Halleran moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (text: CR H8003)


  • October 12, 2017
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the O'Halleran motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House forthwith with an amendment to add a new section at the end of title I related to Disclosure of Violations Relating to Air Transportation.


  • October 12, 2017
    The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection.


  • October 12, 2017
    POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the O'Halleran motion to recommit, the Chair put the question on the motion, and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. O'Halleran demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the motion to recommit until a time to be announced.


  • October 12, 2017
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8010-8012)


  • October 12, 2017
    On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 190 - 232 (Roll no. 567).
    View Vote


  • October 12, 2017
    On passage Passed by recorded vote: 420 - 0 (Roll no. 568). (text: CR H7989)
    View Vote


  • October 12, 2017
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • October 24, 2017
    Presented to President.


  • October 26, 2017
    Signed by President.


  • October 26, 2017
    Became Public Law No: 115-73.
Ron Johnson

Ron Johnson

Republican Senator

Wisconsin

Cosponsors (1)
Joni Ernst (Republican)

Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Veterans' Affairs Committee, Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee

Government Operations and Politics

Related Bills

  • HR 115-3042: To provide greater whistleblower protections for Federal employees, increased awareness of Federal whistleblower protections, and increased accountability and required discipline for Federal supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers, and for other purposes.
  • HRES 115-562: Providing for consideration of the bill (S. 585) to provide greater whistleblower protections for Federal employees, increased awareness of Federal whistleblower protections, and increased accountability and required discipline for Federal supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers, and for other purposes; providing for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Administrative remediesCongressional oversightDepartment of Veterans AffairsEmployee performanceEmployment discrimination and employee rightsFraud offenses and financial crimesGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsHealth information and medical recordsIntelligence activities, surveillance, classified informationLaw enforcement officersMental healthMerit Systems Protection BoardOffice of Special CounselVeterans' medical care