Statement on the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 to strengthen protections for Federal employees who believe they are the target of unjustified personnel actions in reprisal for making disclosures about a violation of law.

THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590

Policy Statement on Whistleblowing

The U.S. Department of Transportation is committed to protecting current and former Federal employees and job applicants from interference and retaliation when making protected disclosures, or "whistleblowing," which includes disclosing infonnati on rela ted to a violation of law, rule, or regulation; gross mismanagement; gross waste of funds; abuse of authority; or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. The Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, and the expanded protections provided by the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 201 2 (WPEA), protect individuals who report Federal agency misconduct from retaliation. The WPEA strengthens protections for Federal employees who disclose evidence of waste, fraud, or abuse and modifies rules on the use of nondisclosure policies or agreements by government agencies to make it clear that these agreements do not override employee rights and obligations created by existing statute or Executive Order relating to classified information, communications with Congress, or to reporting violations and/or misconduct to an Inspector General or any other whistleblower protection. In addition, Presidential Policy Directive 19 extends whistleblower protections to Federal employees eligible for access to classified data.

The Department will initiate appropriate actions against responsible persons who take, threaten to take, or fail to take a personnel action with respect to any employee or applicant because of any protected disclosure of infonnation. In 2002, the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act (No FEAR Act) was enacted to make all Federal agencies accountable for violations of antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.

The Department will not tolerate whistleblower reprisal. Legitimate disclosure of infonnation by employees is an invaluable resource for the oversight of government operations. I expect that employees are able to report these matters confidentially to the Department 's Office oflnspector General (OIG), the U.S. Office of Special Counsel , or appropriate management officials. Those who interfere with or retaliate against any current or former employee or job applicant making a protected disclosure will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. In accordance with the WPEA, a Whistleblower Protection Ombudsma n has been designated in 010 to educate agency personnel about whistleblower rights.

I am committed to maintaining the Department's role as a Federal agency that respects the rights of current and former Federal employees or job applicants to raise legitimate concerns without fear of reprisal. I ask to join me in implementing and communicating this important policy.

Anthony R. Foxx