S. 585Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

2 recorded actions150 of these members are on the 2026 ballotWhat the measure does Read on Congress.gov

Sponsor: Ron Johnson [R-WI]
Cosponsors: 1 · 1 Republican
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Committees: Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee · and 1 more
Latest action: Oct 26, 2017 · Became Public Law No: 115-73.

IntroducedMar 8, 2017
Passed the SenateMay 25, 2017
Passed the HouseOct 12, 2017
Sent to the PresidentOct 24, 2017
Became lawOct 26, 2017

What the measure doesCRS summary

TITLE I--EMPLOYEES GENERALLY

(Sec. 102) This bill directs federal agencies (excluding any entity that is an element of the intelligence community) to give priority to an employee transfer request if the Merit Systems Protections Board (MSPB) grants a stay of a personnel action at the request of: (1) the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) if the OSC determines the personnel action was taken, or is to be taken, as a result of a prohibited personnel practice; or (2) the employee if the individual is in probationary status and seeks corrective action.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall report to Congress on retaliation against employees in probationary status.

(Sec. 103) The bill prohibits any employee who has the authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve of any personnel action to access the medical records of another employee or applicant for employment.

(Sec. 104) Agencies employing a supervisor who has committed a prohibited personnel action may propose: (1) a suspension of not less than three days, (2) a reduction in grade or pay, and (3) removal from the position. A supervisor must receive written notice specifying the reasons for the proposed action and the right of the supervisor to review the material which is relied on to support the reasons for the proposed action. A supervisor is entitled to 14 days following the notice to answer and furnish evidence in support of the answer.

(Sec. 105) Agencies must refer information about employee suicides to the OSC indicating whether, prior to the death of the employee, any disclosure of information was made evidencing: (1) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; (2) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial danger to public health or safety; or (3) whether any personnel action was taken against the employee as a result.

(Sec. 106) Agencies must provide training on how to respond to complaints alleging a violation of whistle-blower protections to: (1) any employee appointed to a supervisory position in the agency who has not previously served as a supervisor; and (2) on an annual basis, to all employees serving in a supervisory position.

(Sec. 107) Agencies must: (1) provide information regarding whistle-blower protections to new employees during probationary periods, (2) inform employees of the role of the OSC and the MSPB with regard to whistle-blower protection, and (3) make information about such protections available on agency websites.

TITLE II--DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES

(Sec. 201) The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must submit a plan to Congress on efforts to prevent any unauthorized access to the medical records of VA employees.

Roll calls on S. 5852 roll calls on this measure

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Oct 12, 2017Each bar: ✓ Yea from the bottom, ✕ Nay aboveOct 12, 2017

How every member votedHouse roll call 568

House Oct 12, 2017 · the primary vote

On Passage

Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

Passed

420 Yea 0 Nay 13 not voting

Crossed both parties No voting member broke with their own party.

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How the chamber split

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DemocratsRepublicansFilled: YeaRing: NayGrey: not voting or present

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All members433 members

Democratic194 members

Republican239 members

marks half of the votes cast. A party’s majority is the side most of its voting members took.

Cosponsors1 · 1 Republican

Signing on is not a vote: a member can cosponsor S. 585 and vote against it. 1 signed when it was filed.

RJoni Ernst [R-IA]Original

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S. 585Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

What the measure doesCRS summary

Roll calls on S. 5852 roll calls on this measure

How every member votedHouse roll call 568

On Passage

How the chamber split

Cosponsors1 · 1 Republican

S. 585Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

What the measure doesCRS summary

Roll calls on S. 5852 roll calls on this measure

How every member votedHouse roll call 568

On Passage

How the chamber split

Cosponsors1 · 1 Republican

Who lobbied on S. 5854 organizations

Who lobbied on S. 5854 organizations