IRS Whistle-blowers Testify Before Congress on Hunter / Joe Biden: Concerns over Treatment and Political Distractions

By Michael Lodge, The Business Advisor - www.lodge-co.com:  In recent congressional hearings on July 19th, 2023, two IRS whistle-blowers came forward to testify regarding allegations concerning Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden. While their testimony shed light on important criminal issues and national security matters, it is equally crucial to address concerns regarding the treatment of whistle-blowers by their managers at the IRS. Whistle-blowers play a vital role in exposing wrongdoing, and it is imperative that they are protected under federal law and not subjected to mistreatment or degradation. Additionally, it is disheartening that some members of Congress chose to prioritize political statements about Trump rather than focusing on the serious subject at hand.

Whistle-blower Protection and Federal Law:  Whistle-blower protection is enshrined in federal law to encourage individuals with insider information about misconduct or illegal activities to come forward without fear of retaliation. The Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) provides safeguards to ensure that whistle-blowers are shielded from adverse actions such as termination, demotion, or harassment. This protection extends to various sectors, including federal agencies like the IRS.

Concerns over Treatment:  The treatment of whistle-blowers is a critical aspect of maintaining the integrity of the whistle-blower system. It is deeply concerning that the IRS whistle-blowers in question reportedly experienced mistreatment by their managers or fellow employees. Such behavior not only undermines the courageous act of whistle-blowing but also creates a chilling effect, discouraging potential whistle-blowers from coming forward in the future. The protection of whistle-blowers is not merely a legal obligation but also a moral imperative.  The IRS needs to bakeoff these two whistleblower that are acting within their legal rights to report what they view as a crime.  They need to be treated professionally and fairly by management.  These are two good employees that the IRS should be proud of.

There were members of congress that attempted to degrade these IRS professionals.  Instead of addressing the issues, asking professional questions of these two members of the IRS, members of congress tried to make them look unfit, they disregarded the Whistle-blower Protection act.  Instead of asking questions on the subject at hand before the committee, they made it a political statements on Trump.  This worthless actions by members of congress shows to be only political instead of address a crime and national security issues.

Respecting the Whistle-blower Protection Act:  When whistle-blowers testify before Congress, it is essential that lawmakers respect the Whistleblower Protection Act and treat these individuals with the dignity and respect they deserve. Congress has a responsibility to create an environment that encourages whistle-blowers to share their information openly and honestly, without fear of being subjected to political grandstanding or personal attacks. The focus should be on the substance of the testimony and the national security implications it potentially holds.

Political Distractions and National Security:  Regrettably, some members of Congress in the recent hearing chose to divert attention by using their allotted time for political statements about Trump, rather than addressing the serious criminal and national security concerns raised by the whistle-blowers. This kind of behavior undermines the importance of the hearing and distracts from the core issues at hand. National security matters should transcend political affiliations and party rivalries, warranting genuine and focused attention from all members of Congress.

The testimony provided by IRS whistle-blowers regarding Joe Biden and Hunter Biden is a matter of national significance that warrants careful examination. It is crucial that the treatment of whistle-blowers within the IRS aligns with the protections provided by the Whistleblower Protection Act. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that whistle-blowers are respected, supported, and shielded from retaliation. Furthermore, it is imperative that lawmakers prioritize the substance of the testimony over political distractions, recognizing the gravity of the national security concerns at hand.