1. United States
2. Letter

The federal government is lacking critical oversight with 14% of inspector general positions currently vacant across various agencies. Congress has urged the Biden administration to prioritize filling these vacancies, particularly at sensitive agencies like the State Department and USAID which are engaged in matters impacting national security interests abroad. Having acting officials in these oversight roles is not a tenable long-term solution, as Senate-confirmed inspectors general undergo extensive vetting to instill public confidence and can commit to robust, independent long-term oversight plans that temporary leaders cannot. Prolonged vacancies send the message that oversight and accountability are not priorities. I urge you to heed Congress's call and expedite the nomination process to fill all open inspector general positions with rigorously vetted, permanent appointees to restore faith in government accountability. This oversight role is vital to maintaining integrity and transparency in the federal government's operations.