Summary of SRES 340: National Whistleblower Appreciation Day

Bill Number: SRES 340

Title: A resolution designating July 30, 2025, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day"

Status: Passed in the Senate

Introduced: July 29, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SRES 340 is to officially designate July 30, 2025, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day." This resolution aims to honor and recognize the vital role that whistleblowers play in promoting accountability and transparency within the federal government. It seeks to reinforce the historical significance of whistleblower protections, as established by legislation passed on July 30, 1778.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes the following key provisions:

1. Designation of National Whistleblower Appreciation Day:

   • The Senate formally designates July 30, 2025, as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.

2. Encouragement of Executive Agencies:

   • The resolution calls on federal executive agencies to:
     • Inform Employees and Contractors: Educate employees, contractors, and the public about the legal rights of U.S. citizens to report misconduct, fraud, misdemeanors, or other crimes in good faith.
     • Acknowledge Contributions: Recognize the significant contributions of whistleblowers in combating waste, fraud, abuse, and violations of U.S. laws and regulations.

Impact

The resolution is expected to have the following impacts:

• Awareness Raising: By designating a specific day to appreciate whistleblowers, the resolution aims to raise awareness about the importance of whistleblowing and the protections available to those who report wrongdoing.
• Encouragement of Reporting: By informing federal employees and contractors of their rights, the resolution encourages a culture of transparency and accountability within government agencies.
• Historical Context: The resolution connects contemporary whistleblower protections to the foundational principles established by the Founding Fathers, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of these protections.

Legislative Actions

• July 29, 2025: Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
• August 1, 2025: The resolution was agreed to in the Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. The Senate Committee on the Judiciary was discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Sponsors

The resolution is sponsored by a bipartisan group of senators, including:

• Primary Sponsor: Chuck Grassley
• Cosponsors: Deb Fischer, Raphael Warnock, Maria Cantwell, James Lankford, Ron Johnson, Ron Wyden, Joni Ernst, Roger F. Wicker, Susan M. Collins, John Boozman, Edward J. Markey, Tammy Baldwin, Marsha Blackburn, and Sheldon Whitehouse.

This resolution serves as a significant step towards recognizing and supporting whistleblowers, thereby fostering a more accountable and transparent government.