Whistleblowers Aiding National Security Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 6302
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6302International Affairs
Whistleblowers Aiding National Security Act of 2025
INTRO NOV 25· LAST ACTION NOV 25
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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Voters should care about this bill because it aims to strengthen national security by deterring the illegal export of sensitive defense technology and weapons. When defense items are illegally exported, they can fall into the wrong hands, posing a direct threat to U.S. interests, military personnel, and global stability. By providing a strong financial incentive, the bill could encourage more individuals with crucial information to come forward, potentially uncovering violations that might otherwise go undetected.
If this bill becomes law, it could significantly enhance the government's ability to enforce defense export controls, making it harder for individuals or companies to secretly bypass these critical regulations. This could lead to a reduction in the illegal flow of advanced military technology, ultimately improving national security. If it does not pass, existing enforcement mechanisms might remain less effective, potentially leaving critical gaps in the protection of sensitive technologies.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Establishes a whistleblower incentive program within the State Department for individuals who provide original information leading to civil penalties for defense export control violations.
This creates a formal and financially rewarding system to encourage individuals to report illegal defense exports, bolstering enforcement.
PROVISION 02
Offers whistleblowers an award amount equal to 10% to 30% of any civil penalty collected as a result of their qualifying information.
This provision provides a substantial financial motivation, making it more likely that individuals with crucial knowledge will come forward.
PROVISION 03
Requires the State Department to develop and maintain a secure online portal for submitting original information, allowing for anonymous submissions through counsel.
This ensures a safe and accessible channel for whistleblowers, reducing fear of retaliation and increasing the likelihood of reports.
PROVISION 04
Mandates specific timelines for the State Department to review submitted information for credibility (60 days) and complete investigations into credible allegations (180 days).
This ensures that critical national security concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently by the government.
PROVISION 05
Outlines conditions under which an award may be denied, such as if information was acquired illegally or through certain internal compliance roles, with exceptions for disclosures preventing significant harm to national security.
This helps prevent misuse of the program while still protecting whistleblowers who act in the public interest when critical national security is at risk.
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to strengthen national security by deterring the illegal export of sensitive defense technology and weapons. When defense items are illegally exported, they can fall into the wrong hands, posing a direct threat to U.S. interests, military personnel, and global stability. By providing a strong financial incentive, the bill could encourage more individuals with crucial information to come forward, potentially uncovering violations that might otherwise go undetected.
If this bill becomes law, it could significantly enhance the government's ability to enforce defense export controls, making it harder for individuals or companies to secretly bypass these critical regulations. This could lead to a reduction in the illegal flow of advanced military technology, ultimately improving national security. If it does not pass, existing enforcement mechanisms might remain less effective, potentially leaving critical gaps in the protection of sensitive technologies.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a whistleblower incentive program within the State Department for individuals who provide original information leading to civil penalties for defense export control violations.
This creates a formal and financially rewarding system to encourage individuals to report illegal defense exports, bolstering enforcement.
high
Offers whistleblowers an award amount equal to 10% to 30% of any civil penalty collected as a result of their qualifying information.
This provision provides a substantial financial motivation, making it more likely that individuals with crucial knowledge will come forward.
med
Requires the State Department to develop and maintain a secure online portal for submitting original information, allowing for anonymous submissions through counsel.
This ensures a safe and accessible channel for whistleblowers, reducing fear of retaliation and increasing the likelihood of reports.
med
Mandates specific timelines for the State Department to review submitted information for credibility (60 days) and complete investigations into credible allegations (180 days).
This ensures that critical national security concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently by the government.
med
Outlines conditions under which an award may be denied, such as if information was acquired illegally or through certain internal compliance roles, with exceptions for disclosures preventing significant harm to national security.
This helps prevent misuse of the program while still protecting whistleblowers who act in the public interest when critical national security is at risk.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this section.
Secretary shall develop, implement, and maintain a secure online portal for the reporting of original information.
Not later than the date on which the online portal is established (i.e., within 120 days of enactment).
Secretary shall provide public notice of the Program in the Federal Register.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this section.
Secretary shall issue a final rule establishing the Program.
Not later than 60 days after the date that original information is submitted.
Secretary shall determine whether the original information is credible.
Not later than 180 days after determining original information is credible.
Secretary shall, unless impracticable, complete an investigation into the allegations.
Not later than 30 days after submission and not less than every 30 days thereafter until determined not credible or investigation completed.
Secretary shall update the individual who submitted original information.
GLOSSARY
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Whistleblower
An individual who reports illegal or unethical activities, typically within a company or government agency, to an authority.
Defense Exports Control Enforcement
Government actions and regulations designed to prevent military items, technologies, and services from being illegally shipped or transferred to other countries without proper authorization.
Civil Penalty
A fine or other non-criminal punishment, typically monetary, imposed by a government agency for violating a law or regulation, as opposed to criminal charges.
Original Information
Specific, timely, and credible information about a violation that is not already known to the government and is provided voluntarily by an individual.
Interim Rule
A temporary regulation issued by a government agency that has the force of law, often put into effect quickly while a more permanent 'final rule' is being developed and finalized.
Final Rule
A permanent and legally binding regulation issued by a government agency after it has gone through required public comment periods and been officially published.
Federal Register
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
NOV 25, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
NOV 25, 25
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The official daily publication of the U.S. government for rules, proposed rules, and notices of federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.
Defense Export Compliance Accountability Fund
A special account established in the U.S. Treasury where civil penalties collected from illegal defense export violations will be deposited to fund whistleblower awards and program operations.
