Oversight
GovExec Daily: An Accountability and Oversight Update
Nextgov’s Frank Konkel and GovExec’s Courtney Bublé cover the latest news on inspectors general and the Trump administration.
Oversight
'I Can’t Speak Negatively About the President,' Says Official Charged With Stimulus Oversight
President Donald Trump’s purge of watchdogs is on the mind of one of the newly hired officials charged with overseeing the more than $2 trillion CARES Act.
Oversight
House Democrats Ask IC for Plans to Prevent Foreign Actors from Exploiting Racial Tensions
“Unfortunately, we know that foreign actors have historically sought to exploit tensions in American communities during times like these,” they wrote.
Oversight
Watchdog Groups Highlight Potential Issues of Acting IGs Holding Dual Roles
In “today’s highly partisan environment” this setup could “understandably raise questions and create unease” in both the IG office and the agency where the official holds an executive job, said experts.
Oversight
Senate Investigation Criticizes the IRS for Failing to Oversee Free Filing Program
Millions of Americans have spent billions on TurboTax and other tax prep that they shouldn’t have. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations recommends the IRS advertise the free filing option.
Oversight
Democrats Press FEMA on Hurricane Season Preparations Amid Pandemic
Lawmakers want more information on staffing and procurement.
Oversight
Republican Senator Holds Up Nominations While Awaiting IG Firing Explanations
The positions now in limbo are National Counterterrorism Center director and State Department undersecretary for arms control and international security.
Oversight
Legislation Seeks to Increase Transparency and Strengthen Congress’ Role in Federal Spending
Both parties have “encroached on the power of the purse,” said one senator, but “this has been acutely true under this administration.”
Oversight
Labor Dept IG Steps Down Following Pandemic Relief Fund Fraud Warning
“This decision has been long in the works and is for entirely personal reasons. I have not been told or asked to resign,” Scott Dahl said.
Oversight
Senate Confirms Brian Miller to Be Pandemic Inspector General
The Senate voted 51-40 in favor of putting the White House lawyer and former GSA watchdog in charge of ensuring relief funds are not misspent.
Oversight
Senators Ask Labor Inspector General for Review of OSHA’s Work During the Coronavirus Pandemic
“Federal workers and the American people deserve better,” said a watchdog organization.
Oversight
House Democrats Demand Trump Administration Stop Rushing Through Deportations of Migrant Children
Democratic congressional leaders expressed alarm at the sudden acceleration and requested the government “cease this practice immediately.”
Oversight
Democratic Congressman Calls for Probe Into Former White House Official’s $3 Million Mask Deal
Trump’s former deputy chief of staff won a $3 million federal contract just days after registering his company. He delivered masks to Navajo hospitals that may not work. Rep. Gerry Connolly asked the HHS inspector general’s office to look into it.
Oversight
Acting HHS Inspector General Outlines Plan To Review the Coronavirus Response
Christi Grimm says the president’s rebuke of a report from her office will not have a chilling effect on her work.
Oversight
Bill Barr Promised to Release Prisoners Threatened by Coronavirus — Even as the Feds Secretly Made It Harder for Them to Get Out
Celebrity prisoners like former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort have been granted home detention, but a secret Bureau of Prisons policy has kept all but 1.8% of federal inmates behind bars, where the virus rages.
Oversight
Analysis: Congress May Not Like It When Trump Fires An Inspector General – But It Can’t Do Anything To Stop Him
President Trump isn't the first president to get rid of inspectors general. He is the first to assert that inspectors general investigations into his administration's actions are unconstitutional.
Oversight
GovExec Daily: Inspectors General, Conflict of Interests and the Administration
CREW's Donald K. Sherman joins the podcast to discussion the current state of oversight and conflicts of interest.
Oversight
Senators Make Bipartisan Push to Expedite Hiring for Workers to Oversee Pandemic Response
Measure would ensure special investigator has proper resources in light of Trump's recent IG firing spree, senator says.
Oversight
Wedding Planner, Caterer, 'Brand Builder': Trump’s Food Aid Program Is Paying $100+ Million to Unlicensed Dealers
Contractors with no experience in food distribution are looking for suppliers on Facebook while some food banks scramble to find desperately needed deliveries.
Oversight