[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 99 (Tuesday, July 8, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S9057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. Ensign):
  S. 1376. A bill to include the Department of Energy and the Nuclear 
Regulatory Commission as employers for the purposes of whistleblower 
protection; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation 
providing greater protection for workers dealing with nuclear materials 
and nuclear power. I am pleased to introduce this legislation today 
with my colleague from Nevada, Senator Ensign.
  Several weeks ago, I chaired a hearing of the Energy and Water 
Development Subcommittee on problems facing the Yucca Mountain project. 
I was extremely disappointed that two of the witnesses--both current 
employees of the Department of Energy and one of its contractors--
failed to testify at the hearing.
  It was clear to me that these people failed to appear before the 
committee because they were concerned that their appearance could have 
negative repercussions on their jobs. That is completely unacceptable.
  So today, Senator Ensign and I are introducing legislation to expand 
the whistleblower protections. The bill we are introducing does two 
things.
  First, the bill would expand whistleblower protection to all 
Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission employees and 
their contractors' and subcontractors' employees.
  Second, the bill would provide a process for whistleblowers to 
utilize Federal courts if their cases are not addressed quickly by the 
Department of Labor.
  Our Democracy depends on the ability of citizens and their elected 
representatives to make informed decisions. That means we need to know 
the truth about the issues.
  These changes are simple fixes that help ensure that Federal 
employees and other people working for the Federal Government never 
have to fear they will lose their jobs for simply telling the truth.
  I hope the Senate will act quickly on this important legislation.
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