BPC Applauds Committee Action on Inspectors General Vacancies

Washington, D.C.– Today the Bipartisan Policy Center issued the following statement by Dan Blair, senior counselor, following the successful passing of oversight reform legislation out of committee:

“Oversight matters. The high number of current Inspector General (IG) vacancies threatens the ability of the IG office to conduct thorough oversight. BPC welcomes the actions taken by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee this week in approving the IG Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to address these issues. The bill would require notification of Congress in advance of an IG being placed in a paid or unpaid non-duty status (administrative leave). Further, the legislation requires the president to report to Congress if an IG has not been nominated within 210 days after a vacancy occurs for the position, including the reasons the nomination has not been made and a target date for doing so.

“Last year, a BPC task force comprised of former members, agency heads, IGs, and senior administration and Hill staff urged the White House to move swiftly to fill vacant IG positions. While acting IGs are often capable and perform well, a permanent IG is better positioned to carry out the oversight required by Congress and the executive branch.”

Read BPC’s full report and recommendations.