First Amendment Whistleblowing
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects an individual's freedom of speech with limitations.
In the context of whistleblowing, courts have found that public employees, speaking in their private capacity, have the right to speak about matters of public concern. However, courts apply a balancing test comparing the government's interest in limiting speech against the public's interest in learning about the alleged wrongdoing.
Anyone considering blowing the whistle should first consult an attorney experienced in representing whistleblowers.
Given the broad scope of issues that whistleblowers may raise pursuant to their First Amendment rights, many committees may have jurisdiction based on the subject of the whistleblowing.
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