Federal Worker Protection Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (31 Aug 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
What this bill does
The Federal Worker Protection Act would place new limits on federal agencies’ use of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) covering employees and contractors who handle sensitive or non-public government information. Agencies would be required to attach a plain-language notice to any covered NDA affirming employees' rights to report wrongdoing to bodies such as Inspectors General, the Office of Special Counsel, Congress, and courts. NDA templates would need pre-clearance from the Office of Special Counsel, be listed in a public registry, and undergo periodic review. The bill also declares that no NDA or executive-branch policy can override existing whistleblower-protection statutes, creates a private right of action for employees facing retaliatory NDA enforcement, and requires Inspector General certification and reporting on NDA practices, along with GAO audits.
The bill primarily affects federal employees and contractors subject to NDAs, agency officials who draft or enforce such agreements, and Inspectors General and oversight bodies tasked with reviewing compliance. It also adds protections for Inspectors General against removal following findings that an NDA violates the Act, requiring congressional notice and providing avenues for legal challenge if removal is deemed retaliatory.
The bill was introduced on August 31, 2026, by Rep. Eugene Vindman and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. It has not yet been considered by the committee or the full House, and would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President before taking effect.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
31 Aug 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10198 do?
- The Federal Worker Protection Act would place new limits on federal agencies’ use of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) covering employees and contractors who handle sensitive or non-public government information. Agencies would be required to attach a plain-language notice to any covered NDA affirming employees' rights to report wrongdoing to bodies such as Inspectors General, the Office of Special Counsel, Congress, and courts. NDA templates would need pre-clearance from the Office of Special Counsel, be listed in a public registry, and undergo periodic review. The bill also declares that no NDA or executive-branch policy can override existing whistleblower-protection statutes, creates a private right of action for employees facing retaliatory NDA enforcement, and requires Inspector General certification and reporting on NDA practices, along with GAO audits. The bill primarily affects federal employees and contractors subject to NDAs, agency officials who draft or enforce such agreements, and Inspectors General and oversight bodies tasked with reviewing compliance. It also adds protections for Inspectors General against removal following findings that an NDA violates the Act, requiring congressional notice and providing avenues for legal challenge if removal is deemed retaliatory. The bill was introduced on August 31, 2026, by Rep. Eugene Vindman and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. It has not yet been considered by the committee or the full House, and would need to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President before taking effect.
- Has H.R. 10198 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10198. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10198?
- H.R. 10198 was sponsored by Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7] (D-VA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10198?
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. (31 Aug 2026).
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