The pilot program was established in the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 (WPEA) to last only two years.

The Government Accountability Project (GAP) calls the program "landmark" and says that it was "the WPEA's most significant structural reform.

The legislation could affect direct spending by agencies not funded through the annual appropriations (such as the Tennessee Valley Authority); therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures apply.

[4] The organization Government Accountability Project (GAP) supported the legislation, arguing that an extension of the pilot program was needed in order to ensure that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Congress had enough time to see the results of the program before deciding whether to make it permanent.

"[6] He also said that the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals has "an abysmal track record in whistleblower cases.

"[6] Rep. Darrell Issa also supported the bill, arguing that "whistleblowers are a critical asset for congressional oversight" and that extending the pilot program would give Congress "more time to gauge the impact of an 'all circuit' review.

"[6] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Government.