Senators were stupefied Wednesday as Obama administration officials
explained a recent legal opinion allowing federal agencies to withhold
records from inspectors general appointed to oversee them – the
consequences of which the officials support reversing with legislation.
Two inspectors general, supported by a crowd of about three dozen colleagues, also clamored for action at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, warning that in the meantime, whistleblowing through official channels has become riskier and accountability for agencies has diminished.
The administration's departure from a traditional understanding of the word "all" inspired the calls for prompt legislation by hearing participants.
Last month, the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel decided the Inspector General Act of 1978’s requirement that agencies make “all” records available to their inspectors general does not override laws that mandate certain types of information not be disclosed.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/08/05/doj-asks-congress-to-reverse-doj-opinion-that-limits-oversight
Two inspectors general, supported by a crowd of about three dozen colleagues, also clamored for action at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, warning that in the meantime, whistleblowing through official channels has become riskier and accountability for agencies has diminished.
The administration's departure from a traditional understanding of the word "all" inspired the calls for prompt legislation by hearing participants.
Last month, the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel decided the Inspector General Act of 1978’s requirement that agencies make “all” records available to their inspectors general does not override laws that mandate certain types of information not be disclosed.
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/08/05/doj-asks-congress-to-reverse-doj-opinion-that-limits-oversight
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