White House threatens to veto bill on IG independence
Measure contains language that would infringe on the president’s responsibility to supervise the executive branch officers, administration argues.
The White House on Monday threatened to veto legislation designed to enhance the independence of inspectors general, saying it treads too far on the president's constitutional prerogatives.
A Statement of Administration Policy said language in the legislation permitting the president to remove inspectors only for cause "raises grave constitutional concerns" by impinging on the president's responsibility to supervise the executive branch officers.
The administration also strongly opposes provisions allowing inspectors general to submit their budget requests directly to Congress. And the administration objects to provisions establishing an independent Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, saying a similar body exists and codification of such a council "would impede the president's ability to react swiftly and effectively to problems with IGs or with the council itself."