Providing for consideration of the bill (S. 585) to provide greater whistleblower protections for Federal employees, increased awareness of Federal whistleblower protections, and increased accountability and required discipline for Federal supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers, and for other purposes; providing for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.

3.0.0 585 2023-09-05T16:11:55Z 2023-09-05T16:11:55Z Senate S 2017-03-08 115 hsvr00 Veterans' Affairs Committee House Standing hsvr10 Economic Opportunity Subcommittee Referred to 2017-05-26T20:18:52Z hsvr08 Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Discharged from 2017-05-26T20:18:35Z Referred to 2017-05-26T15:31:36Z Referred to 2017-05-26T15:05:28Z hsgo00 Oversight and Accountability Committee House Standing Referred to 2017-05-26T15:05:27Z ssga00 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Senate Standing Reported by 2017-05-04T18:59:01Z Markup by 2017-03-15T15:48:01Z Referred to 2017-03-08T22:57:43Z S. Rept. 115-44 Providing for consideration of the bill (S. 585) to provide greater whistleblower protections for Federal employees, increased awareness of Federal whistleblower protections, and increased accountability and required discipline for Federal supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers, and for other purposes; providing for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules. 115 562 HRES 2017-10-11 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. 13:51:36 Procedurally-related House Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 115 3042 HR 2017-06-23 Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. Related bill CRS 2017-10-26 Signed by President. President E30000 2 House floor actions 2017-10-26 Signed by President. BecameLaw 36000 9 Library of Congress 2017-10-24 Presented to President. Floor E20000 2 House floor actions 2017-10-24 Presented to President. President 28000 9 Library of Congress 2017-10-12 15:39:43 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. Floor H38310 2 House floor actions 2017-10-12 15:39:41 On passage Passed by recorded vote: 420 - 0 (Roll no. 568). (text: CR H7989) Floor H37100 2 House floor actions 568 https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2017/roll568.xml House 115 2017-10-12T19:39:41Z 1 2017-10-12 15:39:41 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 420 - 0 (Roll no. 568).(text: CR H7989) Floor 8000 9 Library of Congress 568 https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2017/roll568.xml House 115 2017-10-12T19:39:41Z 1 2017-10-12 15:32:40 On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 190 - 232 (Roll no. 567). Floor H36110 2 House floor actions hsgo00 Oversight and Accountability Committee 567 https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2017/roll567.xml House 115 2017-10-12T19:32:40Z 1 2017-10-12 15:24:30 Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8010-8012) Floor H30000 2 House floor actions 2017-10-12 13:48:21 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the O'Halleran motion to recommit, the Chair put the question on the motion, and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. O'Halleran demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the motion to recommit until a time to be announced. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2017-10-12 13:47:49 The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. Floor H8A000 2 House floor actions 2017-10-12 13:42:47 DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the O'Halleran motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House forthwith with an amendment to add a new section at the end of title I related to Disclosure of Violations Relating to Air Transportation. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2017-10-12 13:42:34 Mr. O'Halleran moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (text: CR H8003) Floor H36100 2 House floor actions hsgo00 Oversight and Accountability Committee 2017-10-12 13:41:34 The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. Floor H35000 2 House floor actions 2017-10-12 13:16:49 DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 585. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2017-10-12 13:15:59 Rule provides for consideration of S. 585 with 1 hour of general debate. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and provides for consideration of motions to suspend the rules. Floor H8D000 2 House floor actions 2017-10-12 13:15:54 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 562. (consideration: CR H7998-8004) Floor H30000 2 House floor actions 2017-10-11 13:51:36 Rule H. Res. 562 passed House. Floor H1L220 2 House floor actions 2017-10-10 18:44:36 Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 562 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 585 with 1 hour of general debate. Bill is closed to amendments. The resolution provides for proceedings during the period from October 16, 2017, through October 20, 2017; and provides for consideration of motions to suspend the rules. Floor H1L210 2 House floor actions 2017-05-26 hsvr10 Economic Opportunity Subcommittee 1 House committee actions Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. Committee 2017-05-26 hsvr00 Veterans' Affairs Committee 1 House committee actions Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Discharged. Committee 2017-05-26 hsvr08 Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee 1 House committee actions Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Committee 2017-05-26 Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. IntroReferral H11100 2 House floor actions hsvr00 Veterans' Affairs Committee 2017-05-26 Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. IntroReferral H11100 2 House floor actions hsgo00 Oversight and Accountability Committee 2017-05-26 10:02:07 Received in the House. Floor H14000 2 House floor actions 2017-05-25 Senate Message on Senate action sent to the House. Floor 2017-05-25 Senate Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3190; text as passed Senate: CR S3192-3194) Floor 2017-05-25 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S3190; text as passed Senate: CR S3192-3194) Floor 17000 9 Library of Congress 2017-05-04 Senate Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 57. Calendars 2017-05-04 ssga00 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with amendments. With written report No. 115-44. Committee 2017-05-04 Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with amendments. With written report No. 115-44. Committee 14000 9 Library of Congress ssga00 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee 2017-03-15 ssga00 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably. Committee 2017-03-08 ssga00 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Senate Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. IntroReferral 2017-03-08 Introduced in Senate IntroReferral 10000 9 Library of Congress J000293 Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI] Ron Johnson R WI N E000295 Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA] Joni Ernst R IA 2017-03-08 True 2017-05-01T20:02:47Z S. 585, Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 https://www.cbo.gov/publication/52679 As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on March 15, 2017 Public Law 115-73 Government Operations and Politics Administrative remedies Congressional oversight Department of Veterans Affairs Employee performance Employment discrimination and employee rights Fraud offenses and financial crimes Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management Government information and archives Government studies and investigations Health information and medical records Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information Law enforcement officers Mental health Merit Systems Protection Board Office of Special Counsel Veterans' medical care Government Operations and Politics

00 2017-03-08 Introduced in Senate 2017-10-10T17:37:55Z Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

This bill directs federal agencies (excluding any entity that is an element of the intelligence community) to give priority to an employee transfer request if the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) grants a stay of a personnel action at the request of: (1) the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) if the OSC determines the personnel action was taken, or is to be taken, as a result of a prohibited personnel practice; or (2) the employee if such employee is in probationary status and seeks corrective action.

The bill: (1) prohibits any employee who has the authority to take a personnel action to access the medical records of another employee or applicant for employment, (2) authorizes disciplinary action against supervisors for retaliation against whistleblowers.

Agencies must: (1) refer information about employee suicides to the OSC, (2) train supervisors on responding to complaints alleging whistleblower protections violations, (3) provide information regarding whistleblower protections to new employees during probationary periods, (4) inform employees of the role of the OSC and the MSPB with regard to whistleblower protection, and (5) make information about such protections available on agency websites.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must: (1) submit a plan to prevent unauthorized access to the medical records of VA employees; (2) conduct an outreach program to inform its employees of available mental health services, including telemedicine options; and (3) ensure protocols are in effect to address threats against VA employees providing health care.

The Government Accountability Office shall assess the reporting, staffing, accountability, and chain of command structure of VA police officers at VA medical centers.

]]>

01 2017-05-04 Reported to Senate with amendment(s) 2019-03-27T16:56:31Z Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

TITLE I--EMPLOYEES GENERALLY

(Sec. 102) This bill directs federal agencies (excluding any entity that is an element of the intelligence community) to give priority to an employee transfer request if the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) grants a stay of a personnel action at the request of: (1) the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) if the OSC determines the personnel action was taken, or is to be taken, as a result of a prohibited personnel practice; or (2) the employee if such employee is in probationary status and seeks corrective action.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall report to Congress on retaliation against employees in probationary status.

(Sec. 103) The bill: (1) prohibits any employee who has the authority to take a personnel action to access the medical records of another employee or applicant for employment, and (2) authorizes disciplinary action against supervisors for retaliation against whistle-blowers.

(Sec. 105) Agencies must: (1) refer information about employee suicides to the OSC, (2) train supervisors on responding to complaints alleging whistle-blower protections violations, (3) provide information regarding whistle-blower protections to new employees during probationary periods, (4) inform employees of the role of the OSC and the MSPB with regard to whistle-blower protection, and (5) make information about such protections available on agency websites.

TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES

(Sec. 201) The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must: (1) submit a plan to prevent unauthorized access to the medical records of VA employees; (2) conduct an outreach program to inform its employees of available mental health services, including telemedicine options; and (3) ensure protocols are in effect to address threats against VA employees providing health care.

(Sec. 204) The Government Accountability Office shall assess the reporting, staffing, accountability, and chain of command structure of VA police officers at VA medical centers.

]]>

35 2017-05-25 Passed Senate amended 2019-03-27T16:47:33Z (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the Senate on May 4, 2017. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

TITLE I--EMPLOYEES GENERALLY

(Sec. 102) This bill directs federal agencies (excluding any entity that is an element of the intelligence community) to give priority to an employee transfer request if the Merit Systems Protections Board (MSPB) grants a stay of a personnel action at the request of: (1) the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) if the OSC determines the personnel action was taken, or is to be taken, as a result of a prohibited personnel practice; or (2) the employee if the individual is in probationary status and seeks corrective action.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall report to Congress on retaliation against employees in probationary status.

TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES

(Sec. 204) The GAO shall assess the reporting, staffing, accountability, and chain of command structure of the VA police officers at VA medical centers.

]]>

49 2017-10-26 Public Law 2019-03-27T19:10:43Z Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

TITLE I--EMPLOYEES GENERALLY

(Sec. 102) This bill directs federal agencies (excluding any entity that is an element of the intelligence community) to give priority to an employee transfer request if the Merit Systems Protections Board (MSPB) grants a stay of a personnel action at the request of: (1) the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) if the OSC determines the personnel action was taken, or is to be taken, as a result of a prohibited personnel practice; or (2) the employee if the individual is in probationary status and seeks corrective action.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall report to Congress on retaliation against employees in probationary status.

(Sec. 103) The bill prohibits any employee who has the authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve of any personnel action to access the medical records of another employee or applicant for employment.

(Sec. 104) Agencies employing a supervisor who has committed a prohibited personnel action may propose: (1) a suspension of not less than three days, (2) a reduction in grade or pay, and (3) removal from the position. A supervisor must receive written notice specifying the reasons for the proposed action and the right of the supervisor to review the material which is relied on to support the reasons for the proposed action. A supervisor is entitled to 14 days following the notice to answer and furnish evidence in support of the answer.

(Sec. 105) Agencies must refer information about employee suicides to the OSC indicating whether, prior to the death of the employee, any disclosure of information was made evidencing: (1) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; (2) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial danger to public health or safety; or (3) whether any personnel action was taken against the employee as a result.

(Sec. 106) Agencies must provide training on how to respond to complaints alleging a violation of whistle-blower protections to: (1) any employee appointed to a supervisory position in the agency who has not previously served as a supervisor; and (2) on an annual basis, to all employees serving in a supervisory position.

(Sec. 107) Agencies must: (1) provide information regarding whistle-blower protections to new employees during probationary periods, (2) inform employees of the role of the OSC and the MSPB with regard to whistle-blower protection, and (3) make information about such protections available on agency websites.

TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES

(Sec. 201) The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must submit a plan to Congress on efforts to prevent any unauthorized access to the medical records of VA employees.

(Sec. 202) The VA must conduct an outreach program to inform its employees of any mental health services, including telemedicine options.

(Sec. 203) The VA must ensure protocols are in effect to address threats against VA employees providing health care.

(Sec. 204) The GAO shall conduct a study to assess the reporting, staffing, accountability, and chain of command structure of the VA police officers at VA medical centers.

]]>

Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 Display Title Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 Official Title as Introduced A bill to provide greater whistleblower protections for Federal employees, increased awareness of Federal whistleblower protections, and increased accountability and required discipline for Federal supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers, and for other purposes. Introduced in Senate IS Short Titles as Passed House Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 H House Short Titles as Enacted Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 Short Titles as Passed Senate Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 S Senate Short Titles as Reported to Senate Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 S Senate Short Titles as Introduced Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 Enrolled Bill https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-115s585enr/xml/BILLS-115s585enr.xml Referred in House 2017-05-26T04:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-115s585rfh/xml/BILLS-115s585rfh.xml Engrossed in Senate 2017-05-25T04:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-115s585es/xml/BILLS-115s585es.xml Reported to Senate 2017-05-04T04:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-115s585rs/xml/BILLS-115s585rs.xml Introduced in Senate 2017-03-08T05:00:00Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-115s585is/xml/BILLS-115s585is.xml 2017-10-27T03:59:59Z https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-115publ73/uslm/PLAW-115publ73.xml Public Law 2017-10-26 Signed by President. text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress This file contains bill summaries and statuses for federal legislation. A bill summary describes the most significant provisions of a piece of legislation and details the effects the legislative text may have on current law and federal programs. Bill summaries are authored by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the Library of Congress. As stated in Public Law 91-510 (2 USC 166 (d)(6)), one of the duties of CRS is "to prepare summaries and digests of bills and resolutions of a public general nature introduced in the Senate or House of Representatives". For more information, refer to the User Guide that accompanies this file.