Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act of 2021

Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act of 2021

This bill addresses issues regarding inspectors general (IGs).

For example, if the President fails to make a formal nomination for a vacant IG position within a certain timeline, the bill requires the President to communicate to Congress the reasons for such a failure and a target date for the nomination.

Bill 117 HR 2662, also known as the Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act of 2021, aims to strengthen the independence and authority of Inspectors General (IGs) within federal agencies. The bill seeks to enhance the ability of IGs to conduct oversight and investigations by providing them with greater autonomy and resources.

Key provisions of the bill include granting IGs the authority to subpoena witnesses and documents, as well as the ability to access all agency records necessary for their investigations. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to provide IGs with timely access to information and resources, and prohibits agencies from interfering with IG investigations.

The bill also establishes a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, which will serve as a forum for IGs to share best practices and coordinate oversight efforts. This council will also be responsible for conducting peer reviews of IG offices to ensure they are operating effectively and independently. Overall, the Inspector General Independence and Empowerment Act of 2021 aims to strengthen the oversight capabilities of IGs and ensure they are able to effectively root out waste, fraud, and abuse within federal agencies. By providing IGs with the necessary tools and resources to carry out their duties, the bill seeks to promote transparency and accountability in government operations.