Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill, titled the FALCON Act, amends federal law to establish a clear requirement for cooperation with Inspector General (IG) requests. It mandates that officers, employees, grant recipients, and contractors of covered federal agencies must comply with an IG's request for information, access, or assistance within 60 days of receipt. A "covered request" includes interviews and document access, but specifically excludes certain types of information, such as grand jury materials or requests where Congress has limited IG access. The legislation aims to strengthen oversight by ensuring timely responses to IG inquiries and promoting accountability within federal operations. Non-compliance with these requests can lead to appropriate administrative discipline , which may include removal, suspension without pay, or adverse contract actions. The discretion for such discipline rests with the head of the covered agency for personnel, or with the President for agency heads. Furthermore, if an Inspector General determines that an individual or entity has failed to comply, the IG must notify the appropriate congressional committees and the head of the agency within 30 days. This notification must detail the non-compliant party, the date of the request, and its general subject matter, enhancing transparency and accountability in the oversight process. Additionally, within 30 days of the bill's enactment, agency heads are required to inform all personnel in writing about the potential for administrative discipline if they do not comply with IG requests within the specified 60-day timeframe.
This bill, titled the FALCON Act, amends federal law to establish a clear requirement for cooperation with Inspector General (IG) requests. It mandates that officers, employees, grant recipients, and contractors of covered federal agencies must comply with an IG's request for information, access, or assistance within 60 days of receipt. A "covered request" includes interviews and document access, but specifically excludes certain types of information, such as grand jury materials or requests where Congress has limited IG access. The legislation aims to strengthen oversight by ensuring timely responses to IG inquiries and promoting accountability within federal operations. Non-compliance with these requests can lead to appropriate administrative discipline , which may include removal, suspension without pay, or adverse contract actions. The discretion for such discipline rests with the head of the covered agency for personnel, or with the President for agency heads. Furthermore, if an Inspector General determines that an individual or entity has failed to comply, the IG must notify the appropriate congressional committees and the head of the agency within 30 days. This notification must detail the non-compliant party, the date of the request, and its general subject matter, enhancing transparency and accountability in the oversight process. Additionally, within 30 days of the bill's enactment, agency heads are required to inform all personnel in writing about the potential for administrative discipline if they do not comply with IG requests within the specified 60-day timeframe.