Conyers Sets Up Web Site for Justice Department Whistleblowers

[Hissyspit]

http://www.sunlightfoundation.com/node/3044

Conyers Sets up Web Site for Justice Department Whistleblowers

Congressional investigators are using the Web to ask whistleblowers to come forward in crucial investigations. Today, John Conyers (D-MI), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, announced a new Web page asking current and former employees of the Justice Department to come forward with any information regarding the politicization of the law enforcement agency. Earlier this year, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA) introduced a whistleblower e-mail hotline for his committee. This seems like a great way for investigators to connect with executive branch employees with a story to tell. Just as members of Congress can use the Internet to better communicate with citizens, congressional investigators can use the Internet to better connect with whistleblowers.

http://judiciary.house.gov/WriteCongressToRightJustice.aspx




This Web site is designed to receive on a completely confidential basis any information concerning the possible politicization of the United States Department of Justice since 2001. The incoming communications should be limited to those who represent that they are or were employed by the Department of Justice during that period. The communications will be received and reviewed by a select group of members of the majority staff of the Judiciary Committee of the United States House of Representatives. The staff will verify through official directories that the sender is or was an employee of the Department of Justice. The names, titles and identities of the senders will be maintained in strictest confidence, but once the identities are confirmed, the substantive information provided will be utilized for official Committee business, to the extent that it can be verified and confirmed.

This Web site has been created in response to numerous requests by current or former career attorneys of the Department of Justice who have advised Members and staff of the House Judiciary Committee that they are concerned that the Department has become unduly politicized in pursuing its important law enforcement functions. These concerns were underscored by, but predated the firings of at least nine United States Attorneys in the second half of 2006. The concerns are voiced by lawyers in various divisions of Main Justice, including but not limited to, the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division and by assistant United States attorneys throughout the country. At the same time, many individuals have expressed concerns that their identities be kept confidential from political appointees within the Department out of a concern for retribution, which could include termination, demotions or other adverse employment actions.

In order to prevent such unfortunate retaliatory actions, we recommend that Departmental e-mail not be used for this purpose. We recommend that current or former employees use personal e-mail to this Web site or call or write the staff of the Committee at the following address or telephone number: 2138 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. [phone]. While anonymous messages will not be considered, similar confidentiality will apply to anyone identifying him or herself and requesting such confidentiality.

The Committee is looking for concrete and specific actions taken or statements made by management-level officials of the Department that have led career employees to be concerned that law enforcement actions will not be handled on a completely non-partisan, impartial manner but will be unduly influenced by partisan political or other inappropriate considerations. The information supplied and verified will be included in matters that are investigated by the Committee and will be incorporated in the Committee’s reports and in legislative and oversight activities of the Committee. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance and look forward to any valid information that current or former DOJ employees can provide.

JOHN CONYERS