The position of inspector-general at the State Department has remained unfilled for over three years. In May 2020, President Donald Trump removed the previous inspector general, Steve Linick, in what has been referred to as the “slow-motion Friday night massacre of inspectors general.” However, President Joe Biden has yet to nominate anyone to fill the vacancy, instead relying on a series of acting IGs. This lack of a permanent inspector general is not unique to the State Department, as other agencies like the Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are also without a permanent inspector general.
It is imperative that President Biden promptly nominate candidates for these positions. The delays are detrimental to the inspector general’s offices, the agencies themselves, and the public’s confidence in oversight of these agencies.
Inspectors general play a vital role in independently auditing, evaluating, and investigating agency programs and operations. They uncover instances of waste, fraud, and abuse, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations. They save billions of dollars for the federal Treasury and hold powerful government officials accountable for alleged misconduct. Additionally, inspectors general promote transparency in government and inform taxpayers about how their money is being utilized. They are truly unsung heroes in public service.
Unfortunately, many of these crucial positions are currently filled by acting inspectors general, which can have negative consequences. For example, at the State Department, the inspector general’s office has been led by acting IGs for extended periods. This lack of stability in leadership can hinder an inspector general’s office and its ability to fulfill its mission effectively.
While acting inspectors general do their best in their unpopular roles, there are limitations to their authority and influence. Some officials within an agency may see their tenure as temporary and may not respond to their reports and recommendations with the same urgency as they would to a permanent inspector general. Permanent inspector generals are more likely to drive long-term strategic changes and take difficult personnel actions within their offices. They are also better equipped to attract top talent since employees and managers know the inspector general will remain in office. Concerns may arise among Congress and the public about whether acting inspectors general are holding agencies accountable to the same degree as confirmed inspectors general, regardless of their qualifications or track records.
President Biden has demonstrated support for inspectors general throughout his career. As vice president, he worked closely with inspectors general to provide oversight for the substantial funding of the Recovery Act. He has consistently praised their work and emphasized the importance of their role in his State of the Union address.
Despite this support, President Biden has yet to nominate inspectors general for crucial positions at the State Department, the Treasury Department, and USAID. There are qualified candidates both within the inspector-general community and elsewhere in government who could fill these vacancies. Previous experience running inspector-general offices in smaller agencies or serving as deputy or assistant inspectors general can be valuable qualifications for these positions.
There may be resistance from some agency heads when it comes to the nomination of an inspector general for their agency. Some agencies have even argued against the necessity of such oversight. However, oversight is essential for every organization, including the federal judiciary, as seen in the ongoing resistance to the idea of an inspector general for the judiciary.
While it is crucial to select the right individuals for these positions – individuals with experience, temperament, and integrity – it should not take more than two years to interview, vet, and select suitable candidates. Even after nomination, the confirmation process by the Senate can be lengthy, as history has shown.
Therefore, it is imperative that the president promptly nominates qualified inspectors general for these vacant positions. There is no excuse for the prolonged delays in filling these crucial roles.
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