Purpose

To learn more about the Office's services, check out its one-pager, watch its introductory video, or tune into its Fireside Chat with the Committee on House Administration. 

Mission 

Assist the House in protecting its sources and constituents while conducting its oversight function. We achieve this by providing nonpartisan education and confidential coaching for effectively working with whistleblowers from the public and private sectors.

Vision

To be a valuable, nonpartisan resource for every House office by institutionalizing safe, effective, and consistent practices for working with whistleblowers – whether they are constituents or oversight sources.

History 

Congress plays a critical role in both learning from, and protecting, whistleblowers. Additionally, Congress' constitutionally mandated oversight work very often relies on vital disclosures from public and private sector employees.

In the 115th Congress, the House Committee on Appropriations included a provision for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to identify congressional avenues, resources, and best practices for working with whistleblowers. The GAO report helped to inform the direction of the Office of the Whistleblower Ombuds, which was established the following Congress. 

In accordance with the House Rules, the independent and nonpartisan Office of the Whistleblower Ombuds has two main responsibilities:

1. Promulgate best practices for whistleblower intake for offices of the House.
2. Provide training for offices of the House on whistleblower intake, including establishing an effective reporting system for whistleblowers, maintaining whistleblower confidentiality, advising staff of relevant laws and policies, and protecting information provided by whistleblowers.

The bipartisan House Whistleblower Protection Caucus also played a supportive role in the establishment of the Office of the Whistleblower Ombuds. Learn more here.