Bill Overview
Title: Federal Bureau of Investigations 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: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Target Audience
Population: Federal Bureau of Investigation employees
Estimated Size: 37000
- The bill affects employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), particularly those who might act as whistleblowers.
- The FBI is a U.S. federal agency; thus, the affected population would primarily be within the United States.
- The FBI employs law enforcement personnel and support staff, all of whom would be under the agency's restrictions and protections.
- The broader purpose of this bill could indirectly affect individuals who rely on FBI integrity and accountability, such as U.S. citizens relying on federal law enforcement.
- The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) is a U.S. agency, which further localizes the target population within the U.S.
Reasoning
- The policy is focused on providing protections for whistleblowers within the FBI by giving them more opportunity to appeal reprisals, aiming to improve workplace safety and integrity.
- Employees who have experienced or fear retaliation for whistleblowing are directly affected, potentially improving their wellbeing due to increased job security.
- The policy does not affect the payment or other general terms of employment, therefore its immediate impact is likely to concern psychological wellbeing and long-term career satisfaction.
- A broader impact may manifest among FBI employees who, reassured of these protections, might feel empowered to report misconduct, indirectly fostering a culture of accountability.
- With approximately 37,000 employees, the policy would directly impact a limited subset keen on whistleblowing, though the atmosphere of increased accountability could reach all employees.
Simulated Interviews
FBI Special Agent (Washington D.C.)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy is a step in the right direction.
- Having protection incentives more people to speak up against wrongdoing.
- Though I haven't reported anything personally, knowing there's a safety net is comforting.
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 | 6 | 5 |
FBI Intelligence Analyst (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been hesitant about reporting because of fear of backlash.
- This policy makes it seem possible to safely report misconduct in the future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
FBI Support Staff (New York, NY)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I haven't witnessed any misconduct directly, but I know others have and felt helpless.
- I'm retiring soon, but this policy might help new employees feel safer.
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 IT Specialist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe any steps to enhance whistleblower protection are positive.
- It's important to secure a supportive environment for those wanting to report issues.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
FBI Special Agent (Houston, TX)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Following this up with strong enforcement is necessary.
- Earlier, I've faced challenges I am hopeful this policy will mitigate similar issues for others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
FBI Linguist (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I focus more on my immediate duties, but policies supporting accountability can only be positive.
- Not everyone is faced or involved in scenarios needing whistleblowing.
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 Administrative Staff (Denver, CO)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy emphasizes integrity which is crucial not just internally but also externally.
- Building trust inward helps project a positive image outward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
FBI Security Specialist (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 44 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It is imperative that people who see misconduct speak up without fear.
- The policy should help some of us feel safer.
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 | 6 | 6 |
FBI Junior Analyst (Seattle, WA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Starting my career here, it's great to know there's protection to speak up.
- This adds an important layer of ethical reassurances for the younger workforce.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
FBI Program Manager (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policies like this are crucial to maintaining a fair work environment.
- It strengthens the ethical core of our internal operations.
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 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $21000000 (Low: $16000000, High: $26000000)
Year 3: $22050000 (Low: $16800000, High: $27300000)
Year 5: $24350000 (Low: $18400000, High: $30200000)
Year 10: $29325000 (Low: $22100000, High: $36500000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The actual number of whistleblower cases may significantly deviate from expectations, affecting both costs and savings.
- Enhanced legal protections could encourage more whistleblowers to come forward, impacting FBI and MSPB resources.
- There is a potential for positive indirect impacts through improved law enforcement effectiveness due to better whistleblower protections.