Whistleblowers Aiding National Security Act of 2025

Summary

Creates a new Defense Exports Control Whistleblower Incentive Program in the State Department Basic Authorities Act to reward people who provide original information that leads to civil penalties for export-control violations. It sets deadlines for rulemaking and a public secure online portal, allows anonymous submissions (with identity disclosure required before payment), and establishes award amounts equal to 10–30% of the civil penalty collected. The Secretary of State must issue an interim rule within 120 days and a final rule within 270 days, make credibility and investigation timetables for submissions, provide regular status updates to submitters, and apply specific factors when deciding award amounts. The program includes limits on repeat noncredible tipsters and procedural safeguards to avoid disclosure that would compromise reviews.

• Creates a Defense Exports Control Whistleblower Incentive Program under the State Department Basic Authorities Act.
• Awards for qualifying tips must be between 10% and 30% of the covered civil penalty imposed.
• Secretary of State must issue an interim rule within 120 days and a final rule within 270 days, and build a secure online submission portal within 120 days.
• Anonymous submissions are allowed; however, the submitter may be required to reveal identity before any award is paid.
• Credibility determinations must be made within 60 days and investigations completed within 180 days when credible, subject to practicability.
• Submitters receive status updates within 30 days and at least every 30 days thereafter, unless updates would compromise the review.
• Secretary can refuse further review of a person after two prior submissions determined not credible.
• Award decisions must weigh significance, assistance, accuracy, relevance, timeliness, usefulness, and other relevant factors.