Eleventh Circuit Upholds Constitutionality of Qui Tam Provision in False Claims Act
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the False Claims Act’s qui tam clause is constitutional, preserving whistleblowers’ ability to sue on the government’s behalf.
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision confirming that the qui tam element of the False Claims Act is consistent with constitutional requirements, thereby safeguarding whistleblowers’ right to initiate fraud lawsuits on behalf of the federal government. Grassley praised the outcome, describing it as a significant win for both whistleblowers and taxpayers and emphasizing the law’s contribution to billions in recovered funds.
The False Claims Act, which Grassley helped revise in 1986, enables the government to reclaim taxpayer money lost to fraudulent schemes. Since its amendment, the statute has secured about $85 billion in recoveries, with more than $6.8 billion recovered in fiscal year 2025 alone. The decision is expected to continue deterring fraud and preserving a key tool for government oversight.
Why it matters
The ruling keeps a powerful anti-fraud mechanism intact, protecting taxpayer dollars and encouraging private whistleblowers to expose fraud.
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