protected communication
(1) The term “protected communication” means the following: (A) A lawful communication to a Member of Congress or an Inspector General. (B) A communication to a covered individual or organization in which a member of the armed forces complains of, or discloses information that the member reasonably believes constitutes evidence of, any of the following: (i) A violation of law or regulation, including a law or regulation prohibiting sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination. (ii) Gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.