House Panel Clears Bill to Pressure President on Inspector General Vacancies

A president slow to nominate candidates to fill inspector general vacancies would be required to explain why in a report to Congress under a bill approved on Tuesday morning by the House Oversight and Reform Committee. The just-introduced 2019 Inspector General Protection Act (HR. 1847), sponsored by Reps. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., and Jody Hice, R-Ga., would require the president to file a report on vacancies that go on longer than 210 days. And it would require notification to Congress within 30 days whenever there is a “change in status” for an IG, such as being placed on administrative leave. The bipartisan bill, which was sent to the House floor by voice vote, “would improve inspector general independence,” said Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., chairman of the committee.