Claire McCaskill Introduces First Bill, Proposes New Accountability Measures for Federal Auditors

-ON THE SENATE FLOOR TODAY-
Claire Introduces First Bill, Proposes New
Accountability Measures for Federal Auditors

It's often said that "it takes one to know one" and, as a former auditor with an independent streak, Senator Claire McCaskill is quick to point to federal auditors, also known as Inspectors General (IG), who function independently and those who do not.

During a recent hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee, Claire and her fellow committee members heard testimony from the staff of the IG for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) who told story after story about the Inspector General's conflicts of interest with NASA administrators, his blatant disregard for principles of accountability, and his mistreatment of subordinating auditors.

"It's obvious to me that this Inspector General doesn't get it," McCaskill said. "His resignation should have occurred a long time ago, and the fact that he hasn't resigned is an insult to inspector generals throughout government who are doing their jobs with independence, integrity, and courage."

To tackle these issues, McCaskill today introduced the Improving Government Accountability Act. This legislation aims to give IGs more independence from the agencies they oversee as well assure that the best and most qualified people are put in those critically important position. The bill would allow IGs to make their annual budget requests to the Office of Management and Budget, instead of directly to the agencies they oversee, as is done now. It would block IGs from receiving bonuses awarded by agency heads. It creates a special Council for Integrity and Efficiency, made up of current IGs and oversight officials, to make recommendations to the President and agency heads to fill IG vacancies. It tightens the credentials required to be a federal IG.

In addition, McCaskill believes that IGs can do a lot of great work, but if the public can't easily find these reports, its all for naught. To make these reports accessible and user-friendly, McCaskill's bill would require all agencies to put a direct link to the IG website on the agency home web pages; that the IG web sites post those reports within 24 hours of their release and that there is a way on their web sites to anonymously report waste, fraud and abuse at federal agencies.

For the past six months Claire has earned a reputation for working to improve accountability as it relates to the use of public tax dollars and believes federal auditors and the Government Accountability Office play large role. Today's legislation is the first bill for which Claire is the lead sponsor.


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Unlike many in the Senate who voted for the elite and big business Sen McCaskill voted in favor of the US working class and against amnesty. Her constituents in Missouri should be proud, unlike those of many Senators who caved into corporate America or special interests.

We need a Senate and a House of Rep that will work to make our government more accountable and honest. Encouragement and support of whistleblowers and Inspectors General is a nedded step.

People (me, for one) are VERY concerned about how the government spends our money, and are appalled at how much is wasted. This would go a long way toward helping people become more interested in government. Lots of people I know would like to hear more about where our tax dollars go.

But the Dems need to go on all the talk shows, PUSH themselves in there, and EXPLAIN in plain English what is going on....none of that "politically correct" bullshit that passes for dialog when they get on the shows.

:kick:

I see POTUS written all over her.

She is strong, confident and energetic.