Legislation Would Expand IG Subpoena Power

Legislation introduced in the Senate Monday would significantly strengthen the power federal inspectors general have in conducting audits and investigations into government waste, fraud and abuse.

The Inspector General Testimonial Subpoena Authority Act, introduced by Sens. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, would empower IGs to subpoena former federal officials, as well as contractors and grantees, for in-person testimony.

“We must root out government waste and abuse. Strengthening the powers of Inspectors General so that they can complete their investigations is a commonsense step we can take to better prevent bad actors from wasting taxpayer money,” Hassan said in a statement. “I’m glad to work with Senator Grassley on this bipartisan effort and look forward to continuing to work together with my colleagues to increase accountability and transparency in our government."

Under the current legal framework, subjects of IG investigations can take measures to avoid testifying, including leaving federal service. Following recommendations from the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency and other organizations, the Senate bill would give IGs the authority to enforce a subpoena in U.S. District Court.  

“Inspectors general are on the front lines fighting abuse and misconduct in government, but time and again, we’ve seen government officials simply leave government service to avoid scrutiny,” Grassley said in a statement. “This bill empowers inspectors general to compel testimony from former employees so bad actors in government can’t simply run from accountability by exiting government.”

The bill would further task the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency—in partnership with the attorney general—to issue guidance to federal IGs on the use of subpoenas. It would also require any federal IF to notify the attorney general at least seven days before issuing a subpoena.