Oversight
Getting a simple FOIA request from OPM shouldn’t be this hard
COMMENTARY | A frequent FOIA requester found himself navigating dead inboxes, broken portals and months-long waits after cuts gutted the Office of Personnel Management’s public records operation.
State’s overseas housing rules haven’t kept up with the times, GAO says
The agency is still using standards tied to the D.C. housing market of 1991 to determine how much space employees stationed abroad can have.
Project 2025 contributor nominated for government watchdog position
While the president recently nominated Dennis Kirk to serve as inspector general at the Interior Department, he’s reportedly already working in that office as a political appointee.
Key oversight and federal workforce nominees confirmed by Senate
Several of the individuals will lead agencies that have been downsized or otherwise weakened by the Trump administration.
Calls for IG probe of Reflecting Pool renovation come amid questions over watchdog's independence
The former inspector general at Interior and a senior House lawmaker criticized the apparent appointment of a Project 2025 co-author at the watchdog office.
Watchdog puts new numbers on the size of DOGE, but many details remain unknown as agencies refuse to turn over information
In a new report, the Government Accountability Office said it was unable to verify if all Department of Government Efficiency employees completed mandatory activities intended to avoid conflicts of interest.
FEMA slashed staff without considering the effects on future disaster response, watchdog reports
The Government Accountability Office also found that the disaster agency is currently operating without a strategic workforce plan to determine staffing needs.
Inspectors general are conducting fewer oversight reports after 18 months of upheaval
In a new report, the Partnership for Public Service noted that the average Cabinet inspector general office has shrunk by 19% since the end of 2024.
Dem senators demand answers on SSA field office closures despite Bisignano’s vow
Just weeks after the Social Security commissioner falsely accused his predecessor of turning away members of the public, lawmakers say Bisignano has done just that.
Bill aims to end blocked congressional access at federal buildings
A new bill would set governmentwide rules for congressional visits after disputes over access to agencies and immigration detention centers.
Despite firings, acting IG says it’s 'the best time to be in the inspector general community' due to focus on fraud
A panel of inspectors general at a government accounting conference also discussed challenges combating technologically advanced scams and performing more proactive oversight.
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Inspector general group would be axed under new House GOP bill
Supporters of the measure pointed to a recent Government Accountability Office report that found the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency frequently missed requirements when investigating misconduct allegations against IGs.
Updated
Former civil servants and union request IG investigation into transfer of Education program to Labor
House Republicans recently introduced a package of bills that would codify the Trump administration’s interagency agreements that move Education offices to other agencies.
Duffy faces new ethics complaint over official social media post promoting wife’s book
The Transportation Department said that the post at issue was "inadvertently retweeted” by a staffer.
IRS missed hiring goals for 2026 tax season, which watchdog says impacted service performance
The tax agency temporarily reassigned hundreds of employees to cover the gaps in staffing.
Despite taxing year, IRS watchdog reports mostly smooth filing season
The Taxpayer Advocate Service did, however, find that staff cuts made it more difficult for taxpayers who needed assistance to access it.
Education Department layoffs hindered congressionally mandated activities, inspector general reports
The inspector general office at the Education Department has experienced several leadership shake-ups, including one acting leader who seems to have been replaced over the report.
Congressional Dems demand info on revised workforce survey
As the traditional spring solicitation window closes, the public remains in the dark as to when the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey will be administered and what questions it will ask.
FEMA, OMB noms grilled on alleged political sway in government assistance
Democratic senators pointed to disparities between what states are approved to receive disaster funding as well as a proposal to require that political appointees approve grant awards to ensure they advance the president’s priorities.
Who watches the watchdogs? GAO finds flaws in inspector general oversight system
President Donald Trump has fired nearly 20 IGs, and his administration last year put a hold on funding for the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
