On October 19th, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a business meeting to consider S. 743, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2011. The Committee favorably reported the legislation to the Senate on a unanimous voice vote. Special Counsel Carolyn Lerner issued the following statement on the Committee’s action:

“I commend Senator Akaka and the other Senators on the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for their leadership in advancing stronger whistleblower protections for government employees on a bipartisan basis. The Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, S. 743, will improve the Office of Special Counsel’s ability to protect workers who disclose evidence of waste, fraud, and abuse. I look forward to working with both chambers of Congress on this important, good government reform.”