It would be interesting to know if the Federal Circuit will play any future role in the fallout from the impeachment inquiry taking place at this time. Application of the Whistleblower Protection Act often comes up during Senate confirmation hearings of Federal Circuit nominees, especially when Senator Grassley questions nominees about the Act he co-authored. You can see one example of this in the confirmation hearing for Judge Taranto between the 46:44 and 52:14 minute marks of this video:
https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/meetings/nominations-2012-02-29
According to Senator Grassley’s comment, the Federal Circuit had exclusive jurisdiction for appeals concerning the Whistleblower Protection Act at the time of Judge Taranto’s hearing; however, it appears that subsequent legislation may have extended jurisdiction to all circuits.
Judge Taranto deftly handled the question about “irrefragable proof” during the hearing.