So, Republicans often tout government inefficiency as a reason not to support government programs. Therefore, one would think a measure to improve the efficiency and cut waste in government would be heralded by Republicans. For most of them, YES but not for our very own Michele Bachmann. She, along with only TEN of her colleagues, decided to vote NO on a bill to improve government accountability.
The Bill:
H.R.928
Title: To amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 to enhance the independence of the Inspectors General, to create a Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Cooper, Jim [TN-5] (introduced 2/8/2007) Cosponsors (7)
Related Bills: H.RES.701, S.1723
Latest Major Action: 10/4/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
House Reports: 110-354
MAJOR ACTIONS:
2/8/2007 Introduced in House 9/27/2007 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government. H. Rept. 110-354. 10/3/2007 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 404 - 11Roll no. 937). 10/4/2007 Referred to Senate committee: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
From Speaker Pelosi:
On October 3rd, the House passed the Improving Government Accountability Act, H.R. 928. This bill contains a number of provisions to enhance the effectiveness and independence of Inspectors General. It also contains provisions to enhance the accountability of the Inspector General system overall.
Inspectors General play a vital role for the U.S. taxpayer – working to prevent and detect waste, fraud and abuse in federal programs. Inspectors General serve as the principal watchdogs of the nation’s major federal agencies and are responsible for conducting audits and investigations in an effort to prevent and detect waste, fraud and abuse in their agencies’ programs. In 2006 alone, audits by Inspector General offices resulted in potential savings from audit recommendations of $9.9 billion and criminal recoveries of $6.8 billion. To effectively carry out their mission, Inspectors General must be independent and objective, which requires that they be insulated from improper management and political pressure.
This bill takes several steps to enhance the effectiveness and independence of Inspectors General. First, the bill gives Inspectors General fixed seven-year terms, which is designed to better insulate Inspectors General from political retribution. Second, under the bill, Inspectors General, who now serve at the pleasure of their appointing authorities, could be terminated before the end of their terms only for cause, based on such factors as malfeasance, permanent disability, inefficiency, neglect of duty, or conviction of a felony. Third, the bill authorizes Inspectors General to send copies of their budget requests to Congress and OMB directly, to deter officials in their respective agencies from slashing their funding in retaliation for unfavorable audits.
You have to wonder how bipartisan a bill has to be before our Congresswoman will vote for it. Once again, Michele, I have to ask, what was it about this bill that was so egregious as to garner a NO vote? What was it that 404 of your colleagues missed when they voted YES? Please, Michele, explain how strengthening the power of a group that acts as a watchdog over government is a bad thing?
