News Story
SENATE VOTES IMPROVED PROTECTION FOR WHISTLEBLOWERS
Senate votes unanimously to protect government watchdogs
By The Associated Press
04.25.08
WASHINGTON — Facing a possible White House veto, the Senate has passed a watered-down version of legislation that would protect government watchdogs from political pressure.
But Senate lawmakers say the measure, approved unanimously on April 23, still offers strong protection to shield inspectors general from undue influence by the government agencies they are charged with investigating and makes reports and audits more accessible to the public.
"This bill is key to preserving the IGs' role as government watchdogs and making sure they can do their job of rooting out waste in this country," said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., one of the authors of S. 2324.
The Senate bill leaves out several provisions contained in a similar bill passed in the House last year. The Bush administration threatened a veto over constitutional concerns it had with the House-passed version.
more at:
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/news.aspx?id=19963