A Senator Defends a Whistleblower

Once in a while, we get to hear about a member of the legislature using their position for the good of the country.

An employee of the FDA, David J Graham, is being pushed out of his position to another part of the FDA after giving testimony before Sen Grassley's (R-IA) committee.

Senator Grassley has sent a letter to the acting head of the FDA which says.

"I understand that retaliatory action against dissident employees can come under many guises," Grassley wrote. "Therefore, I . . . request that you address allegations that administrative action may be taken against Dr. Graham, including that he may be terminated or transferred against his wishes to a job other than conducting scientific research. Please advise me whether there is any truth to these allegations."

Mr. Graham gave testimony that the FDA is ill equipped to protect the public from harmful drugs during a hearing concerning the drug Vioxx.

Kudos to Sen Grassley. No government employee should be having to worry about being moved or losing their job because of testimony embarrassing to an agency or department.

Read the full Wash Post article here.