Bill Overview
Title: FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act
Description: This bill allows whistleblowers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to appeal agency decisions regarding alleged reprisals to the Merit Systems Protection Board. Whistleblowers may also seek action directly from the board if the agency does not issue a decision within 180 days of receiving such an allegation.
Sponsors: Rep. Speier, Jackie [D-CA-14]
Target Audience
Population: FBI employees
Estimated Size: 35000
- The bill targets FBI employees who wish to report misconduct or unethical behavior within the agency.
- The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) deals with federal employees, indicating that the population includes employees within federal agencies, specifically the FBI for this bill.
- Historically, government agencies, including the FBI, have a substantial number of employees, suggesting a sizable group of potential whistleblowers.
- Not all FBI employees will become whistleblowers, but all could potentially be impacted by knowing they have increased protections if they choose to report misconduct.
Reasoning
- The policy targets FBI employees, with an estimated total population of 35,000. This number includes agents and support staff potentially affected by the bill that seeks to enhance whistleblower protections within the FBI.
- The budget of $5 million in the first year and $45.5 million over ten years suggests a significant commitment to bolstering these protections but must be spread across a sizable number of potential cases.
- Cantril wellbeing scores will reflect perceived job security, ability to address wrongdoing, and systemic support within the work environment due to increased protection from retaliation.
- Assuming the whistleblower process is streamlined and protective, the policy should gradually improve psychological and professional wellbeing for those who would utilize this process or who feel more secure knowing this safety exists.
- The impact varies from high for active whistleblowers and potential whistleblowers planning to report, to low or non-existent for employees less directly engaged in agency conduct issues.
Simulated Interviews
FBI Special Agent (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy gives me a sense of security to come forward if needed.
- I hope the MSPB is able to handle cases swiftly to maintain trust in the process.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
FBI Analyst (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act makes me more comfortable discussing and reporting issues without career fear.
- Visibility and outcomes of board decisions will be crucial in establishing trust.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
FBI Support Staff (New York, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy doesn't impact my work directly, but knowing colleagues are protected is reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
FBI Data Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good to know protections are in place, though I'm not directly affected yet.
- Hopefully, this encourages ethical practices all-around.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
FBI Field Agent (Houston, TX)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy may shift the culture towards more openness.
- Relief to know there's a formal process if needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
FBI Criminal Investigator (Miami, FL)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act could potentially streamline bureaucratic hurdles.
- Depends on how MSPB handles appeals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
FBI IT Specialist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s comforting as a legacy policy, ensuring future employees fare better.
- Implementation is key to its success.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
FBI Linguist (Boston, MA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 19/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My role isn't directly affected, but knowing colleagues have that safety net is nice.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
FBI Intelligence Analyst (Denver, CO)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act boosts my confidence in pursuing action if needed.
- Maintaining anonymity during the process is crucial for it to work effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
FBI Communications Specialist (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems positive, though I don't interact much with misconduct concerns.
- Glad to see support being structurally enforced.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $4500000 (Low: $2500000, High: $6500000)
Year 3: $4500000 (Low: $2500000, High: $6500000)
Year 5: $4500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $6000000)
Year 10: $4500000 (Low: $1500000, High: $5500000)
Year 100: $2500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $4000000)
Key Considerations
- The operational capacity of the Merit Systems Protection Board needs evaluation to handle increased case volume.
- The perceived enhancement of accountability within the FBI could improve public trust in federal institutions.
- Possible need for additional resources within the FBI for training and compliance frameworks.