WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced legislation to include Offices of Inspectors General (OIGs) on the list of executive agencies whose employees are “further restricted” from engaging in partisan political activity under the Hatch Act. 

“OIGs are the independent watchdogs protecting Americans’ taxpayer dollars and fighting waste, fraud and abuse in the executive branch. Their efficacy depends on their objectivity. Our commonsense, bipartisan bill would seal any gaps that might allow for political influence to creep in and skew OIGs’ invaluable work,” said Grassley, who relies heavily on OIGs in his efforts to carry out Congress’ oversight responsibilities. 

“Office of Inspector General employees play an essential role in rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government. Their work needs to be independent and free from political bias. This legislation will help to strengthen the ethical guidelines that these employees follow, and I look forward to working with Senator Grassley to get it passed," said Peters, who serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs.

Download bill text HERE. 

Background:

The Hatch Act prohibits certain executive branch employees from actively participating in partisan political management or campaigns. Generally, this “further restricted” category includes positions within enforcement agencies like the Office of Special Counsel and Merit System Protection Board, as well as national security agencies like the National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

OIGs are notably absent from the above list. When OIG employees engage in political activity, it threatens to undermine the integrity of their offices’ investigations and recommendations. Grassley and Peters’ legislation recognizes the importance of maintaining OIG independence and, as such, aims to shield them from political bias and interference – a standard to which existing law holds other agencies with exceptionally nonpartisan missions. 

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