Stop Stealing our Chips Act

Financial Rewards for Whistleblowers: Individuals who provide original information leading to a fine greater than $1,000,000 can receive an award totaling between 10% and 30% of the amount collected (Section 3(b)(3)(A) and (C)).

Job Security and Protection from Retaliation: The bill prohibits employers from discharging, demoting, suspending, threatening, or harassing employees because of their lawful act of reporting violations (Section 3(c)(1)(A)(ii)).

Legal Recourse for Retaliated Employees: Individuals who face discrimination or discharge can bring an action in a U.S. district court to seek relief, including reinstatement, back pay with interest, and coverage of legal fees (Section 3(c)(1)(C) and (D)).

Enhanced National Security: By encouraging individuals to report the diversion of leading-edge artificial intelligence chips, the bill seeks to mitigate threats to the national security of the United States (Section 2(1)).

Increased Corporate Compliance: The incentive program is intended to encourage stronger self-policing and internal compliance within firms to prevent violations before they occur (Section 2(4)).

Restrictions on Award Eligibility for Certain Professionals: Individuals serving as officers, directors, trustees, or partners of entities handling internal legal processes, or employees conducting compliance/audits, may be disqualified from receiving awards (Section 3(b)(3)(B)(i)).

Limitations on Anonymity: While individuals can report anonymously through an attorney, the Secretary has the authority to require that an individual's identity be disclosed in order to receive an award (Section 3(b)(2)(B)(ii)).

Risk of Dismissal for Non-Credible Reporting: The Secretary is authorized to prohibit individuals from making further reports if they have previously submitted multiple reports that were determined not to be credible (Section 3(b)(2)(D)).

Strict Statutes of Limitations for Legal Action: Employees seeking relief for retaliation must act within specific timeframes, such as 6 years after the violation or 3 years after the facts were known, with a hard cap of 10 years (Section 3(c)(1)(C)(iii)).