WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today sought data on the process of investigating government watchdogs accused of wrongdoing. A recent case involving the inspector general of the National Archives and Records Administration took almost two years to resolve while the inspector general was on paid leave, prompting concerns that the investigative process is too slow.
“Extended investigations are harmful to the independence and integrity of the IG community,” Grassley wrote to the chair of the Integrity Committee of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. “They also prevent agencies from effectively resolving allegations against a member of senior leadership. Placing an IG on administrative leave through the duration of a multi-year investigation could also constitute the constructive removal of an IG. Without a consistent, transparent, and efficient investigative process, the CIGIE IC will not be able to perform its essential function: to ensure that the IG community is living up to the standards it sets for the Executive Branch.”
Grassley said that in light of these concerns, Congress needs to review Integrity Committee data to consider improvements to the process. He asked for data on the number of complaints to the integrity committee; the length of time to process such complaints, including key determinations and decision-making; and how often complaints result in integrity committee or criminal investigations.
Grassley and other observers have noted that the integrity committee might meet too infrequently to resolve complaints in a timely fashion. Also, agencies might have an incentive to delay the process, such as by making multiple submissions or re-submitting allegations, to extend the period of operating without a permanent watchdog.
Grassley is a long-time advocate for strong, independent inspectors general and the good government they help to establish.
Grassley’s letter to the chair of the Integrity Committee of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency is available here.
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