The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007

Signed into law by George W. Bush
August 03, 2007

The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act included the NTSSA and also significantly broadened the rights, remedies, and procedures for whistleblowers by amending the Federal Railroad Safety Act and the Surface Transportation Assistance Act. It brought the statute in line with other DOL-administered statutes. This far-reaching Act was implemented, as its name suggests, in response to safety concerns stemming form the attacks on September 11, 2001. Generally, each of these Acts protects whistleblowers who raise safety concerns related to various forms of transportation.

Enforcement & Remedies

This Act included the NTSSA but also significantly broadened the rights, remedies, and procedures for whistleblowers by amending the Federal Railroad Safety Act and the Surface Transportation Assistance Act. It brought the statute in line with other DOL-administered statutes. Generally, all of these Acts protect employees who suffer illegal workplace retaliation. They must file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), part of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). OSHA will investigate complaints and can order remedies; employees who are unhappy with the result can appeal to an administrative judge at the DOL, with additional levels of review available within the DOL and in the federal courts. Remedies may include reinstatement, back pay, and special damages as well as litigation costs, expert witness fees, and reasonable attorney fees.