Oversight
The FDA calls them ‘recalls,’ yet the targeted medical devices often remain in use
When it comes to medical devices, recalls can include not only “removals,” in which the device is removed from where it is used or sold, but also “corrections,” which address the problem in the field.
Whistleblower hearing spotlights Coast Guard handling of sexual misconduct
Congressional investigations into sexual assault and harassment in the military branch began after a media report found the Coast Guard Academy covered up misconduct.
Nonprofit urges the White House to fill vacant watchdog roles
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington penned a letter to President Biden Wednesday calling for the appointment of 14 inspectors general to fill roles at agencies such as the General Services Administration and Social Security Administration.
Senators ask Social Security for info on AI work
Though the Social Security Administration has been using artificial intelligence tools in some form for two decades, the lawmakers stressed the need to engage the public as it explores new technologies like generative AI.
Agencies have only completed about half of GAO’s COVID-19 recommendations
Many of the open recommendations deal with matters on GAO’s high risk list.
IRS program to assist poor taxpayers rarely picks up the phone
TIGTA investigators were unable to leave a message at 16 local Taxpayer Advocate Service offices because their voicemail boxes were full.
FDIC leaders let anti-harassment initiatives falter
A recent inspector general report is the latest investigation into shortcomings with the banking regulator’s sexual harassment prevention programs and policies.
The federal judiciary has improved its policies against workplace misconduct, but not at all levels
The GAO found that while the judiciary has taken steps to address workplace misconduct, there are gaps at the circuit level, as well as in measuring effectiveness and data reporting.
FBI lacks strategy for sharing information with social media platforms about foreign influence threats to U.S. elections
The Justice Department inspector general warned about the risk of sharing information with foreign-owned social media platforms, the FBI not maintaining relationships with companies outside of Silicon Valley and disinformation created using artificial intelligence.
House sends the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act to president's desk
The chamber also approved two other bills to improve oversight of federal agencies.
Nuclear waste cleanup agency undermined by staff shortages, report says
The Energy Department’s Office of Environmental Management had a 17% vacancy rate at the end of fiscal 2023 and most were mission-critical roles.
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FBI program to catch serial criminals is underfunded and understaffed, inspector general says
Despite a nearly 3,000% increase in cases submitted to the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program’s database, staffing and funding levels have remained “relatively flat.”
Updated
A mental health program for service members transitioning to civilian life was unable to contact most enrollees
Oversight officials have spotlighted numerous concerns with programs to help individuals leaving the military.
Bill to strengthen oversight of beleaguered Bureau of Prisons is cleared for president’s signature
The Senate approved the measure by unanimous consent, following several misconduct investigations into the federal prison system.
TSA hasn’t assessed whether deploying air marshals to the border negatively impacts air security, IG says
The agency has been providing air marshals to assist at the border since 2019.
Transportation’s working capital fund is missing controls for cost recovery, IG warns
The watchdog’s findings include an accidental overbilling by upwards of $16,000.
PEER sues to force OPM to implement administrative leave reforms
Though Congress enacted a law aimed at ending agencies’ abuse of involuntary administrative leave, the federal government’s dedicated HR agency has yet to implement its key provisions.
Detention facilities under U.S. Marshals Service lack proper oversight
GAO found that nearly half of the deputies who reviewed certain detention facilities in fiscal 2023 had not been trained.
Supreme Court blocks an EPA plan to curb ozone air pollution
Environmental advocates worry that future challenges to federal policies could similarly “short-circuit the normal process of judicial review” by appealing directly to the Supreme Court.
IRS services for underserved taxpayers are good but can be better, report says
While the IRS has focused on improving customer service for underserved taxpayers, TIGTA noted that the tax agency doesn’t currently have a definition for such taxpayers.
