Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
In the report language from the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, there is a well-stated argument about the importance of this legislation, why we need it, and why we need it for national security employees as well. The report reads as follows:
``A key component of government accountability is whistleblower protection. Federal employees are on the inside. They can see when taxpayer dollars are wasted and are often the first to see the signals of corrupt or incompetent management.
``Unfortunately, whistleblowers too often receive retaliation rather than recognition for their courage. They need adequate protections so they are not deterred from stepping forward to blow the whistle.
``There are many Federal Government workers who deserve whistleblower protection, but perhaps none more than national security officials. These are Federal Government employees who have undergone extensive background investigations, obtained security clearances, and handled classified information on a routine basis. Our government has concluded that they can be trusted to work on the most sensitive law enforcement and intelligence projects, yet these officials receive no protection when they come forward to identify abuses that are undermining our national security efforts.''
I think the report language well states the case for this bill and the importance of us adopting this legislation and moving the process forward.
