Senate Votes for IG Independence

The Senate has voted 75-21 in favor of a measure aimed at making inspectors general at financial regulatory agencies and other federal organizations more independent, according to the Project on Government Oversight.

The measure, included in financial regulatory reform legislation, requires that IGs at "designated federal entities" report to the entire board or commission of such agencies, rather than just the agency head. These types of IGs are appointed by agency chiefs. Some have suggested that these IGs be presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed, like their counterparts at major federal departments and agencies.

The measure that passed the Senate Tuesday was backed by Sens. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.