Lawfare Daily: What Does the Inspector General Do?
Dec 10, 2024
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Glenn Fine, former principal deputy Inspector General of the Department of Defense and author of "Watchdogs," shares his insights on the pivotal role of inspectors general in promoting government accountability. He discusses their responsibilities in detecting waste and fraud, shares personal anecdotes from his time in the DOJ and DOD, and highlights recent reforms designed to enhance oversight. Fine also articulates the challenges IGs face, including political pressure and the need for greater independence to ensure transparency and integrity in governance.
Inspectors General (IGs) are crucial for promoting government integrity by detecting waste, fraud, and abuse within federal agencies.
The independence of IGs is vital for their credibility, yet often threatened by agency leadership's cooperation and political realities.
Recent bipartisan reforms in 2022 aimed to enhance IG protections, underscoring the importance of their role in ensuring accountability.
Deep dives
The Role and Significance of Inspectors General
Inspectors General (IGs) serve a crucial function within federal agencies by detecting and deterring waste, fraud, and abuse, thereby promoting integrity and efficiency. Established by the Inspector General Act of 1978, each federal agency has an IG whose independence from political bias is essential for credibility. IGs are empowered to conduct audits, evaluations, and investigations to keep agency leaders and Congress informed about any operational issues. Their work plays a pivotal role in ensuring transparency in government operations, ultimately aiming to improve agency performance and accountability.
Challenges Faced by Inspectors General
While IGs are vital for maintaining oversight, their effectiveness often hinges on agency leadership's willingness to cooperate. A significant challenge lies in the independence of IGs, which can be compromised if agency heads do not take their recommendations seriously. Additionally, if an IG faces hostility or a lack of support from an administration, it can hinder their ability to address misconduct effectively. The precarious balance that IGs must maintain between agency accountability and political realities can lead to a more complex oversight environment, impacting their efficacy.
Historical Evolution and Legislative Changes
The evolution of Inspectors General has seen significant changes over the years, particularly regarding their independence and influence within the executive branch. Initially, many agencies opposed the establishment of IGs, but over time, the importance of their role became clear, leading to their proliferation across most federal agencies. Recent bipartisan reforms, particularly in 2022, sought to strengthen IG protections and clarify the process for their removal, mandating the provision of specific reasons for any dismissal. This legislative progress reflects a growing recognition of the indispensable function IGs serve in safeguarding government integrity.
The Importance of Independence and Integrity
Independence is paramount for Inspectors General, ensuring they can operate without undue influence, which is necessary for their credibility. IGs must exhibit professionalism while being forthright with findings, even when it means delivering unpopular news or criticism. Effective IGs are also tasked with championing whistleblower protections, recognizing that many critical insights and evidence of misconduct come from those within an agency willing to speak out. This commitment to integrity helps IGs maintain trust and authority, allowing them to enact meaningful reform within their respective agencies.
Future Challenges and Recommendations
Moving forward, Inspectors General face numerous challenges, particularly regarding their powers and the need for adequate oversight. Recommendations for reform include granting IGs subpoena power for testimony from former employees, which would empower them in critical investigations. Additionally, implementing a term of office for IGs may promote greater accountability and efficiency within their ranks. As the landscape of governance evolves, the need for robust oversight mechanisms, independent IGs free from political pressure, remains essential to ensuring accountability in federal operations.
Jack Goldsmith sits down with Glenn Fine, the former principal deputy Inspector General of the Department of Defense and former Acting IG of the Department of Defense, and author of the new book, “Watchdogs: Inspectors General and the Battle for Honest and Accountable Government.” They discuss the history of inspectors general and early constitutional concerns about the role that inspectors general play, Fine’s experiences at both the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense, the 2022 inspector general reforms and their significance, and Fine’s own proposed reforms to improve inspector general oversight.