Inspector General Protection Act

5/11/2023, 3:46 PM

Inspector General Protection Act

This bill requires the President to notify Congress each time the President places an inspector general on nonduty status.

If the President fails to make a formal nomination for a vacant inspector general position within 210 days after the vacancy occurred, the President shall communicate to Congress within 30 days after the end of such period (1) the reasons why the President has not yet made a formal nomination, and (2) a target date for making a formal nomination.

The Inspector General Protection Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 23, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of Inspectors General (IGs) within federal agencies.

The bill includes several key provisions aimed at protecting IGs from political interference and ensuring they have the resources and authority needed to carry out their duties. One such provision is the requirement for the President to provide Congress with a detailed explanation in writing if an IG is removed from their position before the end of their term.

Additionally, the bill prohibits agencies from placing restrictions on an IG's access to information necessary to carry out their investigations. It also requires agencies to notify Congress within seven days if an IG is placed on administrative leave or is under investigation. Overall, the Inspector General Protection Act seeks to promote transparency and accountability within the federal government by safeguarding the independence of IGs and ensuring they can effectively fulfill their oversight responsibilities.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 23

Introduced on
2021-01-04

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/6/2021

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Inspector General Protection Act

This bill requires the President to notify Congress each time the President places an inspector general on nonduty status.

If the President fails to make a formal nomination for a vacant inspector general position within 210 days after the vacancy occurred, the President shall communicate to Congress within 30 days after the end of such period (1) the reasons why the President has not yet made a formal nomination, and (2) a target date for making a formal nomination.

The Inspector General Protection Act, also known as Bill 117 hr 23, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of Inspectors General (IGs) within federal agencies.

The bill includes several key provisions aimed at protecting IGs from political interference and ensuring they have the resources and authority needed to carry out their duties. One such provision is the requirement for the President to provide Congress with a detailed explanation in writing if an IG is removed from their position before the end of their term.

Additionally, the bill prohibits agencies from placing restrictions on an IG's access to information necessary to carry out their investigations. It also requires agencies to notify Congress within seven days if an IG is placed on administrative leave or is under investigation. Overall, the Inspector General Protection Act seeks to promote transparency and accountability within the federal government by safeguarding the independence of IGs and ensuring they can effectively fulfill their oversight responsibilities.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo require congressional notification for certain changes in status of inspectors general, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact
Congressional oversight•
Federal officials•
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management•
Government studies and investigations•
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/14/2021

Inspector General Protection Act

This bill requires the President to notify Congress each time the President places an inspector general on nonduty status.

If the President fails to make a formal nomination for a vacant inspe...


Latest Action1/6/2021
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.