The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a plan Thursday that would offer whistleblower protection to federal employees in the judicial branch.

The proposal came in the form of an amendment offered by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa.), who tacked it on to the Emergency Judicial Relief Act.

“It’s a constitutional responsibility for members of Congress to conduct oversight on the laws we pass. Whistleblowers are a key component to helping with that very important job. It’s about holding each branch of government accountable,” said Grassley, who also authored legislation that would offer whistleblower protections to legislative branch employees that executive branch employees have.

The Grassley amendment prohibits federal employees and contractors in the judicial branch from retaliating against subordinates “because of any lawful act done…to provide information, cause information to be provided, or otherwise assist in an investigation regarding any possible violation of Federal law or regulation, or misconduct, by a judge, justice, or any other employee in the judicial branch.”

It also states that employees “may, in a civil action, obtain appropriate relief.”

Grassley, however, did not vote for the underlying bill, which would create new judicial districts. His office described it in a news release “riddled with problems”