ROLE AND AUTHORITIES OF INSPECTORS GENERAL
IGs have the requirement to make reports to both the agency head and to Congress. IGs are required to keep both fully and currently informed about problems and deficiencies relating to agency programs and operations.
IGs typically brief their agency heads on important audits, investigations, evaluations, and other reviews they conduct. In addition, IGs often testify before congressional Committees, and they regularly receive requests from, provide briefings to, and participate in meetings with congressional members and their staffs.
To fulfill their mission, IGs are granted broad authorities. Among other powers, IGs are authorized to:
• Obtain timely access to records and documents available to their agencies in relation to
any program or operation over which the IG has responsibility;
• Request information or assistance from any federal, state, or local agency;
• Subpoena records and documents from any no
Who oversees the IGs?
The IGs serve under the general supervision of the agency head. Yet, by statute, IGs have a dual and independent reporting relationship to the agency head and to the Congress.
Allegations of misconduct against an IG should be referred to the Integrity Committee of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE).