The false claims act was strengthened in 1986 to:

a. deter whistle-blowers from speaking up by penalizing them.

The correct answer is D: The False Claims Act was strengthened in 1986 to make it easier and safer for whistle-blowers to come forward.

The False Claims Act has one of the most robust whistleblower protection provisions in the United States. The statute provides whistleblowers financial rewards and job protection against retaliation. Under the amended False Claims Act of 1986 whistleblowers who brought successful cases were entitled to 15 percent to 30 percent of the government's recovery while their attorneys were guaranteed payment of their regular hourly fees by the defendant.

Entities and companies that defraud the government are responsible for treble damages and receive a penalty for each false claim currently estimated to range between $10,781 and $21,563. After amending the False Claims Act, Congress also ensured that people who provided information about fraud to the government could again file a qui tam lawsuit.