In a recent correspondence to Russ Vert, the director of the Management and Budget Office (OMB), Senators Susan Collins from Maine and Chuck Grassley from Iowa voiced their concerns regarding the administration’s decision to terminate funding for the group that monitors inspector general activities.
This group, known as the Council of Inspectors on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), oversees 72 Inspector Generals. It was created under the General Reform Act of Inspectors back in 2008, with notable support from figures like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
The council aims to enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of inspector general personnel by setting policies, standards, and practices that help cultivate a skilled workforce in their offices, as highlighted by the legislation.
CIGIE also manages a platform called Monitoring.gov, which publishes reports from inspectors general and allows whistleblowers to report misconduct.
However, in a letter to four congressional committees, CIGIE mentioned that the OMB’s decision could terminate essential functions and affect the jobs of 25 full-time employees.
Collins and Grassley noted that the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) had informed them that OMB has not allocated any funds for the fiscal year 2026. Established during the COVID-19 pandemic, PRAC oversees relief programs and the spending of over $5 trillion related to the pandemic.
In their letter, the two senators criticized the funding cuts, arguing that reducing CIGIE’s budget would “disrupt a number of surveillance functions.”
They also pointed out that OMB’s funding decisions might impact both CIGIE and PRAC activities. They expressed doubt over why reviews couldn’t continue while these entities are still operational, saying it’s crucial for them to fulfill their legal obligations.
They requested a response by Friday, seeking clarification on the reasoning behind cutting CIGIE and PRAC funding and the legal authority supporting these actions.
The OMB has reached out to the White House for comments regarding this letter.
The senators concluded that continuous oversight by CIGIE could serve as a beneficial mechanism to ensure it functions effectively for Americans, suggesting that this oversight could still proceed if appropriate funding is maintained.
