What federal statute requires publicly traded companies to maintain a code of ethics and protect whistleblowers?

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is the correct answer because it was enacted in response to financial scandals and holds publicly traded companies accountable for their financial practices. One of its key provisions mandates that these companies establish a code of ethics for their employees, which is intended to foster a culture of honesty and integrity within the organization.

Moreover, the Act includes strong protections for whistleblowers, making it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who report violations of securities laws or other unethical practices. This is vital for encouraging individuals to come forward with information that might expose wrongdoing without fear of losing their job or facing other forms of retribution.

Through these requirements, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act aims to restore public confidence in financial reporting and corporate governance, ensuring that companies operate transparently and ethically. The other options do not encompass the whistleblower protections or specific ethics code requirements outlined in the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, highlighting its unique role in federal business law.