Armed Services Committee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
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.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Paul with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Paul with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Government Operations and Politics
Administrative remediesDepartment of DefenseEmployment discrimination and employee rightsNational Aeronautics and Space AdministrationPublic contracts and procurement
Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-5578| House
| Updated: 12/2/2025
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.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Paul with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Paul with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Armed Services Committee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee
Government Operations and Politics
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Administrative remediesDepartment of DefenseEmployment discrimination and employee rightsNational Aeronautics and Space AdministrationPublic contracts and procurement