WASHINGTON — On Monday the Government Accountability Office issued a report, requested by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, that evaluated how the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) reviews whistleblower disclosures and allegations of prohibited personnel practices throughout the federal government. GAO made seven recommendations for how OSC could improve its evaluation of allegations from federal whistleblowers.
“Whistleblowers play a vital role in identifying problems within our government,” said Johnson. “Unfortunately, far too often they need to be protected. I thank GAO for its review and recommendations on how OSC can improve its case processes. I am confident Special Counsel Kerner will take these recommendations to heart in carrying out OSC’s mission to enforce our nation’s whistleblower protection laws.”
Background
– On April 25, 2016, Chairman Johnson wrote to GAO requesting a review of OSC after whistleblowers raised concerns about OSC’s case management system and about OSC’s culture towards internal agency whistleblowing activities. A copy of the letter can be found here.
– GAO found that between 2011 and 2016, OSC’s caseload increased by 66 percent, contributing to a growing case backlog.
– Before today’s review, GAO last examined OSC’s procedures and processes in 2007.
Read the GAO report here.
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