Des Moines Sun

On National Whistleblower Day, several whistleblowers expressed their appreciation for Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and his ongoing efforts to support transparency and accountability in government. Grassley, who serves as co-founder and co-chair of the Whistleblower Protection Caucus, has been recognized for his advocacy on behalf of federal employees who report misconduct.

Earlier this year, the Department of Treasury promoted IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler after Grassley urged action by the department. In May, he also helped secure promotions, restored law enforcement credentials, and backpay for three Customs and Border Protection (CBP) whistleblowers.

Grassley recently led a resolution to designate July 30th as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. The resolution aims to honor individuals who expose waste, fraud, and abuse that can result in significant financial losses for taxpayers. He has also introduced legislation designed to enhance protections for FBI employees and federal contractors who act as whistleblowers. Additionally, Grassley called on President Trump to ensure that efforts to reduce the size of the federal workforce are not used as a means of retaliation against those who come forward with information about wrongdoing.

IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler stated: “We saw firsthand why Senator Grassley is known as the Patron Saint of Whistleblowers. From the very beginning, he took our concerns seriously and stood by us every step of the way. Just when it felt like all hope was lost, he found a way forward. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering support – not only for us, but for the hundreds of other whistleblowers he’s championed over the years. We will never be able to repay the senator for his unwavering commitment, but we are dedicated to carrying his example forward.”

Mark Jones, a CBP whistleblower, said: “For 7+ years, Senator Grassley and his staff have been the singular unwavering advocate and champion for me as a federal whistleblower. When my elected Congressmen and Senators ignored and dismissed my requests for assistance, Senator Grassley was the lone voice of support. Grassley and his staff fully vetted my whistleblower allegations and engaged with the Biden administration to address the Whistleblower Retaliation. Grassley’s commitment to stay the course has led to positive and meaningful cooperation with President Trump, Secretary Noem and CBP Commissioner Scott. I can attest that Grassley is a true and honorable statesman and an unwavering man of his word. I have confidence in Grassley’s commitment to holding those accountable for their retaliation and remaining with whistleblowers until there is a proper resolution. The words ‘thank you’ are inadequate and cannot express my respect and gratitude for Senator Grassley.”

Another CBP whistleblower Mike Taylor added: “Over seven years ago, my colleagues and I reported an orchestrated, willful obstruction of the law, which facilitated thousands of murders and sexual assaults on U.S. soil. Even after our allegations were clearly substantiated by federal agencies, Customs and Border Patrol committed clear reprisals against us, rewarding the perpetrators while our careers were ruined, and our health and reputations were irreparably harmed. Senator Grassley affected more relief for us in two years than all the other oversight and whistleblower protection entities achieved over the last seven years. One dedicated senator from Iowa did so much more to protect whistleblowers than anyone else. Thank you, Senator Grassley, for defending those whose only interest is serving the public and honoring their oath to the Constitution.”

Fred Wynn also commented: “I am grateful for all the time Senator Grassley and his staff have spent working on our behalf over the past seven years. They’ve helped hold the individuals accountable who retaliated against us for reporting obstruction of a law intended to keep Americans safe. We worked extensively with multiple executive branch agencies whose responsibilities include whistleblower protection, but none were willing or able to advocate on our behalf. In spite of our case being open for over seven years, the senator and his staff met with us on multiple occasions and have never stopped pushing for justice and accountability.”

The recognition comes amid continued debate over how best to protect government employees who report wrongdoing within federal agencies.