Comment from NARFE Florida Inc.
NARFE Florida Inc.OpposeAdvocacy
Summary: The commenter, representing NARFE Florida Inc. (an organization for federal employees and retirees), opposes the proposed NDA for all federal employees. They argue that the agreement could create a chilling effect on whistleblowers who are necessary to expose fraud, waste, and abuse within the government.
I retired from the Defense Department after 37 years of federal service in Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,Texas, Germany, and Haiti. I know the importance of whistleblowers in uncovering fraud, waste, and abuse.
I was fully aware of information that I could not release because of national security, procurement, personnel, or other reasons. For part of my career, I oversaw the FOIA program for the Army's largest two-star command. However, the public has a right to know how we spend their money and what we plan for their sons and daughters.
Therefore, I oppose the proposed NDA for all federal employees. It could confuse the situation and it could put a chill on the whistleblowers who would otherwise expose fraud, waste, and abuse.
I am also the president of NARFE Florida Inc., which represents the 95,000 active federal employees and 200,000 federal retirees in the state.