Johnson, Grassley Seek Information from 72 Offices of the Inspector General on Open and Unimplemented Recommendations, Agency Attempts to Interfere with Independence

Press Release

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) sent a letter Friday to 72 agencies' office of the inspector general (OIGs) across the executive branch. The issuance follows a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Tuesday examining how Congress can better support and empower the work of inspectors general. The letter requests information from OIGs on open and unimplemented recommendations and the aggregate cost savings of the recommendations to agencies, if implemented. The letter also seeks information on any attempts by agencies to interfere with OIG independence, including efforts to limit the capabilities of the OIG or attempts to restrict communications between the OIG and Congress.

Senator Johnson said, "Every day, inspectors general across the executive branch make recommendations that could save millions of taxpayer dollars and promote a better, more efficient government. But as the inspectors general at this week's hearing confirmed, oftentimes agencies ignore their recommendations or present obstacles to publishing findings by slowing and even denying access to documents. We want to ensure inspectors general have the tools necessary to conduct their work without interference, and that our committee members have the information they need to help in that effort."

Senator Grassley said, "Congress often hears when an agency stonewalls an inspector general but not always. This letter gives every inspector general the chance to weigh in on problems. If an inspector general doesn't have interference problems, Congress ought to know that, too. Getting a handle on open recommendations is important for taxpayers and good government. Agencies should implement inspector general recommendations as soon as possible, and if they can't, they should account for why not."

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