; (B) providing information or participating as a witness in an investigation of a whistleblower disclosure made to the Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, the Inspector General of the Department, the Special Counsel, or Congress; (C) participating in an audit or investigation by the Comptroller General of the United States; (D) refusing to perform an action that is unlawful or prohibited by the Department; or (E) engaging in communications that are related to the duties of the position or are otherwise protected. (2) Preventing or restricting an employee from making an action described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1). (3) Conducting a negative peer review or opening a retaliatory investigation because of an activity of an employee that is protected by section 2302 of title 5. (4) Requesting a contractor to carry out an action that is prohibited by section 4705(b) or section 4712(a)(1) of title 41, as the case may be. 11. Recoupment of relocation expenses paid on behalf of employees of Department (a) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may issue an order directing an employee of the Department to repay the amount, or a portion of the amount, paid to or on behalf of the employee under title 5, United States Code, for relocation expenses, including any expenses under section 5724 or 5724a of such title, if— (1) the Secretary determines that relocation expenses were paid following an act of fraud or malfeasance that influenced the authorization of the relocation expenses; (2) before such repayment, the employee is afforded— (A) notice of the proposed order; and (B) an opportunity to respond to the proposed order not later than ten business days following the receipt of such notice; and (3) the Secretary issues the order— (A) in the case of a proposed order to which an individual responds under paragraph (2)(B), not later than five business days after receiving the response of the individual