The bill would protect current and former federal employees and job applicants, including people connected to federal contractors and grantees, if their right to petition Congress or provide information to Congress is interfered with or denied. It would let covered individuals seek corrective action through existing processes. If no final decision is issued within 180 days, or relief is denied, they could seek a new review in federal district court, unless the delay resulted from their bad faith.
If you are covered and believe your right to communicate with Congress was violated, you could seek corrective action through a process that depends on your agency or employer. A court could award relief such as reinstatement, damages, attorney fees, or lost wages and benefits. The bill also provides for a jury trial if you request one.
The bill does not state overall costs or funding. Court relief could include 200 percent of lost wages and 100 percent of lost benefits, with interest, as well as other listed remedies.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.