Senate Panel Backs BIS Whistleblower Program, Eyes BIS Budget Increase
The Senate Appropriations Committee endorsed a proposal July 10 to urge the Bureau of Industry and Security to create a program to provide financial rewards to those who report illegal exports of advanced semiconductors and AI-enabling chips to “foreign adversaries.”
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The proposal, which was approved as an amendment during consideration of the FY 2026 Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill, says such illegal exports are a “growing national security threat" and that a whistleblower program would strengthen enforcement of export controls. It calls for the Commerce Department to submit a report outlining a “framework” for a "whistleblower incentive and protection program at BIS," including eligibility criteria, procedures for reward determinations, mechanisms for interagency coordination, and "strict protections" for the identify and safety of whistleblowers.
“BIS is encouraged to develop secure reporting channels, coordinate with relevant law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and allocate resources to review, investigate, and act on credible tips,” the amendment says. “The report should also identify anticipated funding needs for administration and oversight.”
The amendment, which was handed out in printed form to reporters at the committee meeting, was offered by Sens. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. It is similar to a bill Rounds introduced in April (see 2504140012).
The Appropriations Committee held off on voting on the overall Commerce-Justice-Science bill due to a dispute over the location of the FBI’s future headquarters. As a result, the full text of the bill was not publicly released.
But Sens. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., the chairman and ranking member, respectively, of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce-Justice-Science, both told Export Compliance Daily that the bill contains a funding increase for BIS, though they couldn't recall the specific number. “It’s a healthy amount, believe me,” Van Hollen said.
BIS has requested $303 million for FY 2026, up $132 million from FY 2025 (see 2505020030). Most of the increase would go toward export enforcement.
The House Appropriations Committee has not yet announced when it will mark up its version of the Commerce-Justice-Science bill.