Image: smolaw/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe House has passed HR-2662, which ties together nearly a dozen previously introduced proposals to strengthen investigative powers of agency IG offices while also adding protections for those offices against interference by political agency officials.
The measure would strengthen authorities of IGs by: granting them the authority to subpoena witnesses who are not currently government employees for testimony; requiring them to notify Congress if agencies deny access to requested information; and authorizing the Department of Justice IG to investigate wrongdoing by department attorneys instead of deferring to the department’s office of professional responsibility.
Also the bill would increase protections for IGs against interference by agency management by: allowing an inspector general to be removed only for cause; requiring that Congress to be notified before an IG is placed on non-duty status; and requiring that someone appointed as an acting IG be an existing IG for another agency or be serving as senior staff in an Office of Inspector General.
It also includes several provisions related to operations of IG offices in general, including to expand whistleblower trainings to IG employees; require notification to Congress and CIGIE of an IG’s ongoing investigations when an IG is placed on non-duty status; and provide a single appropriation for the central IG council, the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency Integrity.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where many similar provisions are pending in individual bills.
2.7 Percent Raise Called for in Key Budget Bill; End to FEHB Abortion Ban
Biden Launches Sweeping Diversity Initiative for Federal Workforce
Partisan Clash at Hearing on Paid Leave Expansion
Official Travel Restrictions Lifted for Fully Vaccinated Federal Employees
