The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) developed in response to the economic crisis facing the nation provides for unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability so that taxpayers know where their tax dollars are being spent. Spearheaded by a new Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, the Act contains built-in measures to detect and prevent waste, fraud, or mismanagement of recovery/stimulus spending. As a member of the Recovery Board, and consistent with the OIG's ongoing mission, the Inspector General is committed to providing active oversight of recovery spending throughout Department of Transportation programs, contracts and grants. ARRA whistleblowers that are reprised against for their recovery related disclosures have special protections within the OIG under the ARRA.