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| Wilson Calls for Inspector General to Protect Katrina Funds against Fraud & Mismanagement |
September 23, 2005 |
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| Letter to Speaker Urges Oversight for Rebuilding Effort
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today released a letter to House Speaker Dennis Hastert calling for an Inspector General to oversee the rebuilding effort for the Gulf Coast and protect against fraud and waste.
“There must be no delay in getting this aid quickly and directly to those who need it most, and it is our duty to make certain these resources are not wasted,” the letter states.
The letter, signed by Wilson and other members of the House, urges the creation of an oversight body to ensure accountability and the coordination of resources with independent audits. Congress approved the use of Inspectors General in 1978, and the practice has consistently resulted in cost savings and fraud prosecutions.
Complete letter text below:
The Honorable Dennis J. Hastert
Speaker of the House
H232 The Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Speaker Hastert:
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, we applaud your efforts to move quickly in passing emergency measures for this devastated region. As we begin the process of rebuilding the Gulf coast, we ask that you extend your support for legislation designating a financial oversight body, led by an Inspector General, to protect against fraud and mismanagement.
When Congress passed the Inspector General Act in 1978 in response to major management scandals within the federal government, we added an important balance to our system of separation of powers. Congress envisioned Inspectors General as independent, non-partisan and objective. Since their creation, Inspectors General have been largely successful in carrying out their mission, reporting billions of dollars in savings and cost recoveries, as well as thousands of successful criminal prosecutions.
The Department of Homeland Security has begun taking steps to ensure accountability with the federal government’s massive response to Hurricane Katrina. There must be no delay in getting this aid quickly and directly to those who need it most, and it is our duty to make certain these resources are not wasted. For this reason, we support the creation of an oversight body, led by an Inspector General, to provide independent and objective audits and investigations as we deliver assistance to those in need.
As Congress considers legislative proposals that would enhance oversight of spending related to Hurricane Katrina, it is essential that we look first and foremost to ensure the coordination of the significant resources that exist today in the federal government. The victims of this tragedy have stood tall in the face of destruction; it is our duty to ensure this important relief funding is utilized effectively, and without delay.
Thank you for your leadership in this trying time. We look forward to working with you as Congress provides the necessary funds to rebuild the Gulf Coast.
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