POGO Endorses IG Independence and Empowerment Act

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Dear Chairwoman Maloney:

I am writing on behalf of the Project On Government Oversight (POGO) to express our enthusiastic support of H.R. 2662, the IG Independence and Empowerment Act.¹

POGO is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that investigates and exposes waste, corruption, abuse of power, and when the government fails to serve the public or silences those who report wrongdoing. We champion reforms to achieve a more effective, ethical, and accountable federal government that safeguards constitutional principles.

The work of our independent federal watchdogs—inspectors general (IGs)—has continually resulted in substantial financial savings for the federal government. For example, the self-reported return on investment in fiscal year 2020 was $17 for every $1 spent on IG activities.² That is not to say that the system has reached its full potential. Especially at a time when the public is gravely concerned about government corruption, it is critical that these watchdogs have the resources, independence, and accountability they need to root out all forms of corruption in our government.

The IG Independence and Empowerment Act represents a comprehensive approach to some of the biggest issues the inspector general community faces today, and I urge Congress to prioritize enacting it. Among other necessary improvements, this legislation would insulate inspectors general from unwarranted removal; improve their ability to conduct full investigations; and ensure that in the event of a vacancy, temporary leadership in these offices is qualified and conflict-free.

The public and Congress depend on inspectors general to ensure our federal agencies are functioning effectively. We strongly urge Congress to pass this legislation expeditiously so that these watchdogs have the necessary independence and authorities to do their critical work.