The Senate on Dec. 10 passed a bill (S 372) that would have beefed up the weakened protections for federal whistleblowers against retaliation for revealing fraud, waste, and abuse. It now awaits House action, which is uncertain during the limited time left in the lame-duck session.

• Previous Story: WatchDog of Dec. 1, 2010.
• "Senate Passes Whistleblower Protection Bill," Washington Post, December 11, 2010, by Joe Davidson.