Robert Garcia (D-CA)
Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 465.
Waiting for a floor vote in the other chamber
Passed one chamber and is on the other chamber's calendar.
The calendar is a queue, not a date. The majority leadership decides what comes to the floor and when; much of what is placed on it is never called, and a bill that is never called simply expires with the Congress.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- Awaiting Senate
- On Senate calendar
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
The Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2026 aims to protect whistleblowers and contractors from retaliation. It specifically addresses instances where a Federal employee might order a reprisal against a protected individual. The bill amends existing laws regarding Department of Defense and National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts. It also extends protections to non-defense Federal contractors and grantees. This legislation ensures that individuals cannot be punished for refusing to violate laws or for reporting gross mismanagement and waste.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill enhances accountability by protecting whistleblowers who report gross mismanagement and abuse of authority.
- Scored +3
Would union members be better off under this?
The bill strengthens protections for workers (contractors) against retaliation from superiors and the government.
- Scored +2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill aims to reduce gross waste of funds by protecting whistleblowers who report mismanagement.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill increases the risk of disciplinary action and scrutiny for executive branch officials interacting with contractors.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection for Refusing Illegal Orders: The bill protects individuals who refuse to obey an order that would require them to violate a law, rule, or regulation related to a contract, subcontract, grant, or subgrant (Section 2; Section 3).
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Protection for Reporting Mismanagement: Individuals are protected when disclosing information they believe is evidence of gross mismanagement, gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or violations of law or regulation (Section 2; Section 3).
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Safety Protections: The bill provides protection for those disclosing information regarding a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety (Section 2; Section 3).
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Accountability for Executive Officials: The act allows for proposed disciplinary action against any executive branch official who requests that a contractor or grantee engage in a prohibited reprisal (Section 2; Section 3).
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Prevention of Waiving Rights: The law ensures that the rights, forum, and remedies provided cannot be waived by any public or private agreement, such as a predispute arbitration agreement (Section 2; Section 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly identified in the provided text.
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 make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill enhances accountability by protecting whistleblowers who report gross mismanagement and abuse of authority.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill aims to reduce gross waste of funds by protecting whistleblowers who report mismanagement.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — The bill strengthens protections for workers (contractors) against retaliation from superiors and the government. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill increases the risk of disciplinary action and scrutiny for executive branch officials interacting with contractors.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — By protecting DoD contractors, the bill supports the integrity of the systems that provide various services including veteran-related ones.
- 7/21/2026
- Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 465.
- 7/20/2026
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4664-4665)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4664-4665)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5578.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4664-4666)
- Mr. Burlison moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 12/2/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
- 9/26/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
James ComerRepublican · Kentucky