Anti-Retaliation Provisions of the False Claims Act
30 U.S.C. § 3730(h): Relief from retaliatory actions
A whistleblower covered under a whistleblower award law such as the False Claims Act can also disclose their concerns to Congress, but they may be precluded from the benefits if they do not follow the unique statutory requirements. In turn, they should avoid taking steps that could preclude their eligibility for a whistleblower reward, such as disclosing the filing of a sealed False Claims Act complaint. It is advisable that whistleblowers first consult counsel knowledgeable in whistleblower award programs for legal guidance.
Note regarding committees of jurisdiction:
Given the law’s broad scope, many committees may have jurisdiction based on the subject of the whistleblowing and the agency involved.
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has the authority to investigate all subjects within the Committee’s legislative jurisdiction as well as "any matter" within the jurisdiction of the other standing House Committees.
The following resources may assist users in identifying other committees of jurisdiction:
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
Committee jurisdiction under House Rule X:
- Federal civil service, including intergovernmental personnel; and the status of officers and employees of the United States, including their compensation, classification, and retirement
- Municipal affairs of the District of Columbia in general (other than appropriations)
- Federal paperwork reduction
- Government management and accounting measures generally
- Holidays and celebrations
- Overall economy, efficiency, and management of government operations and activities, including Federal procurement
- National archives
- Population and demography generally, including the Census
- Postal service generally, including transportation of the mails
- Public information and records
- Relationship of the Federal Government to the States and municipalities generally
- Reorganizations in the executive branch of the Government