Bill · H.R. 5578· House(119-HR-5578)
Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/26/2025
- Last activity
- 7/21/2026 — Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 465.
- Sponsored by
- Robert Garcia
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Awaiting Senate
- On Senate calendar
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
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill enhances accountability by protecting whistleblowers who report gross mismanagement and abuse of authority.
Would union members be better off under this?+3
The bill strengthens protections for workers (contractors) against retaliation from superiors and the government.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+2
The bill aims to reduce gross waste of funds by protecting whistleblowers who report mismanagement.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+3Good For Business Owners-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- 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