WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday released the following statement in response to the Government Accountability Office (GAO)’s recommendations to Congress for protecting inspectors general:
“We’ve seen President Trump weaponize inspectors general to reward friends and punish enemies. It's time for Congress to stop this kind of abuse—now and in the future. I’m glad to see the GAO agrees with my legislation that would only allow for inspectors general to be removed for cause, not politically-motivated firings. I hope these recommendations help Congress come to a bipartisan consensus, so we can restore the independence of our top watchdogs.” said Murphy.
In April, Murphy announced the Inspectors General Independence Act, which would establish seven year terms for inspectors general and protect them from politically-motivated firings by only allowing for removal for cause.
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