Today is National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. We would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has come forward to report fraud and other misconduct over the years.
We know that the decision can be a difficult one and it may have unfortunate consequences on your family and career. We thank you for nevertheless doing the right thing.
On this day in 1778, the Continental Congress passed the first whistleblower law in the United States. It encouraged people in the service of the United States to report misconduct to Congress or the appropriate agency. More than 200 years later, we still rely on you to protect us from fraud.
Last year, there were a record 753 qui tam lawsuits filed under the False Claims Act. Thousands more submitted tips to the Internal Revenue Service and Securities and Exchange Commission. And an untold number informed their boss or company’s compliance professional about problems at their place of work.
There is still more to do, both to fight fraud and protect whistleblowers from retaliation. Your bravery continues to inspire us in our fight.
We also would like to thank Senator Chuck Grassley for his relentless support of whistleblowers. Senator Grassley was part of the testimony today about the False Claims Act at a House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice. His efforts have been instrumental in the advancement of whistleblower law.