Schakowsky, Trahan Reintroduce FTC Whistleblower Act to Protect Consumers

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON- Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), reintroduced the FTC Whistleblower Act of 2024. The bill protects whistleblowers who disclose wrongdoing at their current or former employers who fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Disclosure could include unlawful violations of consumer protection or anti-trust laws and regulations. This act would protect whistleblowers from retaliation and incentivize their reporting.

"Whistleblowers courageously risk their livelihoods to shine a light on corporate crimes. They must be protected from retaliation," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. "That is why Rep. Trahan and I are reintroducing the FTC Whistleblower Act. Our bill will help safeguard whistleblowers like Frances Haugen, who bravely came before the Energy and Commerce Committee last Congress and revealed just how much social media is harming our children. Not only does this bill protect consumers from greedy, lawbreaking corporations, but it also supports the whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing."

"Whistleblowers take big risks to reveal illegal actions by powerful companies. They put their jobs and reputations on the line to protect consumers and make sure corporations are held accountable for breaking the law. It's wrong to let them face retaliation when they're acting in the public's best interest," said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. "I'm proud to join Ranking Member Schakowsky in reintroducing the FTC Whistleblower Act to protect whistleblowers, encourage others to come forward, and give the FTC the information it needs to hold bad actors accountable."

The FTC Whistleblower Act of 2024 is endorsed by the Government Accountability Project, the Consumer Federation of America, the Project on Government Oversight, Food Animal Concerns Trust, R-CALF (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America), National Whistleblower Center, Transparency International, Coalition for Change, and Whistleblowers of America.

"This legislation is an excellent opportunity for Congress to apply cohesive rights across federal agencies, including the FTC, in accordance with their sustained leadership on whistleblower protections. The FTC's ability to protect consumers and keep big businesses in check goes hand in hand with whistleblowers keeping Americans safe. Providing protections and best practice incentives for whistleblowers coming forward with original information to the Commission is a nonpartisan issue and essential to good governance," said Maya Efrati, Deputy Director of Legislation at Government Accountability Project.

"Whistleblowers provide a crucial public service by exposing corporate misconduct and illegal behavior that directly harms consumers across the country. The FTC Whistleblower Act incentivizes employees to come forward and disclose wrongdoing, and establishes best practices to shield them from retaliation. POGO applauds Congresswoman Schakowsky's leadership on this important bill, which better protects whistleblowers under the Federal Trade Commission's jurisdiction, and in turn, better protects the American public," said Joe Spielberger, Policy Counsel at Project on Government Oversight (POGO).

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