Hawkeye Reporter

On National Whistleblower Day, several whistleblowers recognized the efforts of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) for his support in their cases and his broader advocacy for government transparency. Grassley, who co-founded and co-chairs the Whistleblower Protection Caucus, has played a role in advancing protections and recognition for federal whistleblowers.

Earlier this year, the Department of Treasury promoted IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler following Grassley's request to the department. In May, three Customs and Border Protection (CBP) whistleblowers received promotions, restored law enforcement credentials, and backpay as a result of Grassley's intervention.

Grassley also led a Senate resolution to designate July 30 as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. The resolution aims to honor individuals who report waste, fraud, and abuse in government agencies. In addition to these actions, Grassley introduced legislation designed to enhance protections for FBI employees and federal contractors serving as whistleblowers. He also urged President Trump to ensure that federal downsizing initiatives are not used as retaliation against those who come forward with allegations.

IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler said: “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.”

CBP whistleblower Mark Jones commented: “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.”

Mike Taylor, another CBP whistleblower, stated: “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 added: “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.”