A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill creates new protections and financial incentives for whistleblowers who report violations of laws enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. It prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who report violations, participate in investigations, or refuse to take part in illegal tasks. Whistleblowers who help the Commission successfully resolve actions resulting in over $1 million in monetary sanctions can receive financial awards. The legislation establishes a Federal Trade Commission Consumer Protection Fund to pay these awards from collected monetary penalties. It also invalidates predispute arbitration agreements and restrictive covenants that stop whistleblowers from practicing their profession. Finally, the bill sets rules for how the Commission must protect the identity of whistleblowers and handles appeals regarding award decisions.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +6
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill strengthens consumer protection by incentivizing whistleblowers to report violations of laws enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The legislation establishes reporting requirements and whistleblower incentives that encourage the exposure of corporate wrongdoing to the Federal Trade Commission.
- Scored +5
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill provides robust legal remedies and civil action rights for employees who face retaliation for reporting violations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection from Retaliation: Section 2(a) stops employers from firing, demoting, harassing, or taking other adverse personnel actions against individuals who report violations to a qualified entity, supervisors, or coworkers with investigative authority. This safeguards workers who speak up against wrongdoing.
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Financial Rewards for Information: Section 3(a) requires the Commission to pay awards between 10 percent and 30 percent of collected monetary sanctions to whistleblowers who voluntarily provide original information leading to a successful resolution. This gives individuals a financial upside for exposing illegal actions.
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Robust Legal Relief: Section 2(c) ensures that a prevailing whistleblower receives job reinstatement with original seniority, three times the amount of back pay owed with interest, and compensation for damages, litigation costs, expert witness fees, and attorneys' fees. This provides strong remedy options for workers harmed by retaliation.
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Invalidation of Gag Clauses and Arbitration: Section 2(b)(3), (4), and (5) voids predispute arbitration agreements and restrictive covenants that restrain a whistleblower's lawful profession, and prohibits employers from enforcing confidentiality agreements that block communication with qualified entities. This stops companies from using legal fine print to silence workers.
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Identity Confidentiality: Section 2(e) forbids the Commission and its employees from disclosing information that could reasonably reveal the identity of a whistleblower, with limited exceptions that require timely advance notice to the whistleblower. This protects the personal safety and privacy of individuals who report violations.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Exclusion of Criminals and Wrongdoers: Section 3(b)(2) mandates that the Commission shall deny an award to any whistleblower who is convicted of a criminal violation related to the action or who acts without direction from a covered entity to deliberately cause or substantially contribute to the violation. While meant to deter bad actors, this completely bars certain participants from receiving compensation even if they provide helpful information.
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Forfeiture for False Statements: Section 3(e) blocks any whistleblower who knowingly and intentionally makes false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements, representations, or writings from receiving an award. This imposes a strict penalty for dishonesty during the reporting process.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill provides robust legal remedies and civil action rights for employees who face retaliation for reporting violations. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The legislation establishes reporting requirements and whistleblower incentives that encourage the exposure of corporate wrongdoing to the Federal Trade Commission.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill strengthens consumer protection by incentivizing whistleblowers to report violations of laws enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — Workers are better protected against retaliation when reporting illegal employer practices.
- 10/9/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Thomas KeanRepublican · New Jersey
Lori TrahanDemocrat · Massachusetts