The Issue: Open and honest government is only possible when dedicated public servants expose corruption, fraud, and abuse at their agencies. Yet, the risks of "blowing the whistle" are significant. Government whistleblowers are often retaliated against for reporting manipulation, suppression, and distortion of science.

Why it Matters: Federal government scientists play a crucial role in providing data and analysis so policy makers can make the best, most informed decisions about our environment, health, and national security. Thus, we depend on these scientists' ability to carry out scientific research without inappropriate political interference. Unfortunately, surveys and investigations show that the manipulation, suppression, and distortion of science have become pervasive. Of the more than 1,800 federal scientists across nine agencies who have responded to questionnaires about this issue, 699 scientists (39 percent) report that they fear retaliation for openly expressing concerns about their agency's mission-driven work.

The Solution: Government scientists should have the right to conduct their research without interference, and should be able to speak out about distorted or suppressed scientific findings without retribution. Whistleblower protections for scientists who report political interference in science would help ensure that basic scientific freedoms of federal scientists are respected and ensure public and policy maker access to unbiased federal scientific research and analysis.

Agencies also have the responsibility to clean their own houses through legitimate mechanisms addressing concerns of scientific misconduct. Currently those systems are either nonexistent or lacking in credibility. Agencies should establish procedures for whistleblowers to challenge scientific misconduct through safe and confidential disclosure channels. These channels should incorporate anti-retaliation rights and be grounded in fair procedures free from conflict of interest. It is imperative that once the agency is alerted of interference in science, corrective action is taken.

What's Happening in Congress
In March 2007, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, H.R. 985, with a 331 to 94 vote. This bill extends and enhances whistleblower protection to government scientists by:

• Protecting government scientists who disclose attempts to suppress or distort scientific research.
• Ensuring that federal employees who work on national security issues have whistleblower protections.
• Giving whistleblower protections to government contractors when they report waste, fraud, and abuse of U.S. taxpayer dollars.

Similar legislation, S. 274 the Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act, passed the Senate in December 2007, but does not include protections for scientists. It is crucial the final bill approved by Congress includes protections for scientists and that the bill is signed by the president.