This comes from the National Whistleblower Center, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that provides legal assistance to whistleblowers, advocates for stronger whistleblower protection laws, and educates the public about whistleblowers’ critical role in protecting democracy and the rule of law.

Hi Friend –

In 1978, the Inspector General Act was signed into law to establish the responsibilities and duties of the Inspectors General. As the watchdog of federal agencies, the Inspectors General are critical to ensuring accountability and transparency within the U.S. government.

In order to remove an Inspector General from their position, the Act requires 30 days’ notice to Congress to allow them enough time to investigate this removal.

But the Act is being undermined. The past several administrations have circumvented the 30-day notice of termination requirement by placing Inspectors General on administrative leave and appointing an acting Inspector General during that time to further their political agendas.

Inspectors General must be able to carry out their work with the integrity and independence expected of their Office without fear of termination.

If Congress is serious about oversight, it must take action to prevent the Inspector General Act from becoming another worthless law and support the Securing Inspector General Independence Act of 2020. This new Bill would limit who can serve as an acting Inspector General, prohibit Inspectors General from being placed on administrative leave during the 30-day notice requirement, and ensure audits and investigations are continued after an Inspector General has been removed.

So, please, Friend, take action today. Urge your representatives to support the Securing Inspector General Independence Act of 2020.

TAKE ACTION TODAY
Thank you for always supporting whistleblowers.

Sincerely,
John Kostyack
Executive Director

See:

“Chuck Grassley: Why I’m introducing a bill to help protect inspectors general,” Washington Post, June 17, 2020.

“The National Whistleblower Center Firmly Supports Inspectors General Independence Bill“. News Release, June 18, 2020.