Keeping Tabs on the FBI

The FBI appears to have blown its latest attempt at modernizing its computer system.  I learned recently that the FBI was delaying work on Sentinel, the project name to update the FBI information technology structure.  As a result, it appears the project will be over budget and not completed on time.  So, I wrote to FBI Director Robert Mueller, along with Senator Shelby, and asked questions about the FBI’s efforts to ensure the taxpayers aren’t left holding the bag again for a computer system that doesn’t work.

It’s terribly frustrating that we’re in this position again.  This is the third go at modernizing the FBI’s computer system and hundreds of millions of dollars have been wasted.  With a deficit like we’ve got, we can’t afford for them to continue getting it wrong. 

The United States is very dependent on the FBI, not just to go after bank robbers, but to keep our country safe from terrorists.  They have a big responsibility, and they need a computer system that allows them to carry out their mission.   However, that responsibility should not be used as an excuse to play fast and loose with taxpayer dollars.  I plan to hold the FBI’s feet to the fire until this project is back on track and completed.  We can’t afford yet another failed government computer system. 

The New York Times wrote about our efforts to get answers about the latest problems with the FBI’s computer system.  You can click here to read that story.