Oversight
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.
Oversight
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.
Oversight
Anti-fraud overhaul clears House despite Democratic concerns over privacy and IG independence
Many Democrats opposed the measure due to fears the Trump administration would exert more political influence on inspectors general as well as concerns about privacy risk.
Oversight
Inspector general group announces pick to lead oversight of Iran war following senator’s questioning
A provision in federal statute requires the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to designate an IG for any military “overseas contingency operation that exceeds 60 days.”
Workforce
Federal oversight faces ‘structural conflict’ as political appointees enter IG offices
The 16 agencies that now have non-Senate-confirmed political staffers for the first time in 15 years include the IRS and Forest Service, according to a new report.
Updated
Oversight
Citing legal requirement, senator wants a designated inspector general to provide oversight of Iran war
The Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency is required to select an IG to oversee reviews when a military “overseas contingency operation” surpasses 60 days.
Oversight
Labor oversight official faces ethics complaint for apparent congressional campaign moves
While Anthony D'Esposito decided not to run for his former House seat, federal employees are not permitted to be candidates in partisan elections, which includes taking preliminary actions for a campaign.
Oversight
Someone robbed the SEC during the shutdown
An individual has been arrested, but the stolen materials have not been recovered.
Oversight
Agency partnerships are a potential financial lifeline for USPS, watchdog reports
Some of the inspector general’s suggestions included providing biometric services at more locations and working with state and local governments.
Oversight
Newest inspector general nominees show shift from overtly political backgrounds
At least two of the president’s three most recent IG nominees have experience working in an IG office.
Management
DOT inspector general reviewing complaint against Sean Duffy over reality show
Ethics watchdogs have concerns about the cabinet secretary's forthcoming travel show.
Oversight
The number of feds in tax debt spiked during the pandemic
Around 215,000 federal employees are behind on their tax bills, IG finds.
Oversight
More than 3-in-4 allegations of sexual assault against federal prison staff are going unresolved
Such allegations are spiking and the Justice Department is failing to implement key reforms meant to institute a zero-tolerance policy toward prison rape, GAO finds.
Workforce
Coast Guard officer promotion advanced by Senate Republicans despite IG finding of whistleblower retaliation
Commander Jesse Millard was approved in committee on a party-line vote, despite Senate Democrats demanding that his promotion be withdrawn.
Oversight
Inspectors general targeted for funding cuts in Trump’s FY27 budget
Oversight groups warn that slashing budgets spent on rooting out fraud and waste will “fundamentally hamper” accountability and operations.
Management
IRS can’t fully verify in-person work compliance, IG says
The agency identified just 30 employees out of compliance with its return-to-office directive, even as investigators cited gaps in how compliance is verified.
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Oversight
Inspector general group to be led by former Trump administration adviser
A government oversight organization said that the selection of Cheryl Mason, who is the inspector general for the Veterans Affairs Department, shows the White House is “putting more of a thumb on the scale” of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.
Oversight
Inspector general’s reported plan to run for Congress is a Hatch Act violation, lawmakers and ethics orgs say
Federal employees are not permitted to run for partisan office or to prepare for such an election.
Workforce
EPA says it will slash workload after IG flags slashed workforce as overburdened
The environmental agency is struggling to handle its grants work after cutting its workforce last year.
Oversight