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[edit] The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

Mr. Devine pointed out that it has been difficult for federal employees, as they can’t defend themselves when they defend the public, as they do their jobs. He further explained that the passage of the WPEA (Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act) would make the Whistleblower Protection Act “born again” or more able to really do what it was intended to do.

Adam Miles stated that this legislation is closer to becoming law, than it ever had been. The House version was passed months ago. The problem at this time is in the Senate. He said he expected the Senate would vote on this as soon as September. They said they expected procedural roadblocks as those who oppose the bill and the implications of the law it would provide, including the Justice Department. (This is not a surprise to many whistleblowers that have been stymied by the Justice Department’s refusal to do their part in getting cases responsibly resolved.)

It was mentioned that in the Senate, one Senator could stop a bill from progressing by putting a “Hold” on it. Senator Tom Coburn, Republican from Oklahoma, has done just that to this bill. We were told that Senator Coburn’s office was still talking to people about it and wanted to see Senator Coburn’s concerns addressed. What Senator Coburn’s specific concerns are was not addressed in this call.

I believe it was Mr. Devine who suggested people could contact Harry Reid, Majority Leader to express concern, and encourage this to be pushed along and passed. He also stated that the OSC (Office of Special Counsel) was supposed to be a big brother of sorts to help federal employees to resolve issues and problems, such as those that occur when reporting something unpopular to supervisors, or power at the top, which made them whistleblowers. Instead, he noted that the OSC had abandoned federal whistleblowers. Statistics were given about how few whistleblowers actually prevailed through the OSC and MSPB (Merit Systems Protection Board). It is so few, that it pretty much shows what a failure both of those offices have been to date. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Pete fa brown (talk • contribs) 13:37, August 30, 2007 (UTC)