Ranking Member Robert Garcia and Chairman James Comer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Whistleblower Protections for Federal Contractors

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Rep. James Comer, Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, introduced the bipartisan Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act. The bill would strengthen whistleblower protections for federal contractors by prohibiting retaliation for refusal to participate in an activity that violates a law, rule, or regulation. It also protects whistleblowers from retaliation for disclosing information they believe is evidence of mismanagement, waste, abuse, or a substantial and specific danger to public health and safety related to a contract or grant.

“Whistleblowers, whether they are contractors or federal employees, are vital to holding our government accountable. They can shed light on wrongdoing, and protect the public’s trust in our institutions. We cannot allow them to be silenced by threats. We must ensure our federal contractors feel safe enough to come forward and report abuses of power,” said House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Robert Garcia (D-CA)

 “The Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025 enhances whistleblower protections to help encourage federal contractors to report potential legal violations, mismanagement, waste, abuse of authority, and danger to public safety. I am glad to help advance this bipartisan legislation in partnership with the Senate,” said House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-KY)

Additionally, the bill would ensure that non-disclosure agreements or conditions of employment would not waive a contractor’s whistleblower rights. It would also introduce accountability for executive branch officials and clarify that they do not have the authority to request that a contractor engage in a reprisal.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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