Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2026

This legislation, known as the "Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025," significantly enhances anti-retaliation protections for individuals working with the federal government. It expands the definition of a "protected individual" to include a wide range of entities and personnel, such as contractors, subcontractors, grantees, their employees (current and former), and personal service providers for both the Department of Defense/NASA and the broader Federal Government. This expanded scope also covers state and local governments, Indian tribes, and elements of the intelligence community when acting as federal contractors or grantees. The bill broadens the types of disclosures protected from reprisal. Individuals are now safeguarded for refusing to obey an order that would require them to violate a law, rule, or regulation related to a federal contract or grant. Protection also extends to disclosing information reasonably believed to be evidence of gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or violations of law concerning federal contracts, as well as any substantial and specific danger to public health or safety . Crucially, the Act explicitly prohibits executive branch officials from requesting that a contractor or grantee engage in any form of prohibited reprisal against a whistleblower. To strengthen enforcement, the bill mandates that appropriate disciplinary action be proposed against any executive branch official who requests a reprisal. Furthermore, it clarifies that the rights, forum, and remedies provided for whistleblowers under this Act cannot be waived by any public or private agreement, policy, or condition of employment, including predispute arbitration agreements. These provisions aim to create a more secure environment for federal contractors and their employees to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.